Diploma in Horticulture Technician

at Durham College - Whitby Campus Canada

Electricity powers our world and is present all around us, providing light, power, air conditioning, and refrigeration. This program focuses on commercial and residential electrical installation. It will provide you with basic skills in electricity and electrical system installation and ensure you become familiar with the relevant tools and materials required in this field to successfully understand, install and test basic electrical systems for a specified number of applications. Graduates will meet the Ministry of Labour’s Working at Heights training requirement.

The Electrical Techniques program focuses on residential installations and will provide you with the basic skills to successfully install grounding/bonding for a specified number of applications.

You will learn to assist in the interpretation and preparation of electrical drawings and related documents and how to analyze and solve simple technical problems related to basic electrical systems by applying mathematics and science principles. The use of diagnostic equipment, tools, and computers will help you solve basic electrical problems and gain a better understanding of the industry.

Under the supervision of a licensed electrician, as a graduate, you will

• Test and troubleshoot electrical and electronic circuits, equipment, and systems
• Ensure health and safety standards and best practices are applied in the workplace

If you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible to challenge the basic level exemption test for the electrician apprenticeship trade.

The welding industry contributes more than $5 billion to the Canadian economy and employs over 300,000 individuals. Become a part of this booming field, and learn welding techniques and skills to ensure you’re fully prepared for the trade. In this program you will become skilled in multiple welding processes with additional learning in blueprint reading and metal fitting. You will also become familiar with metals and their unique properties, and enhance your hand-eye skills to work safely and effectively in the structural, pressure vessel and manufacturing industries. Whether you are preparing to build, create or repair, you will have the attention to detail and technical knowledge for a successful career in this high-demand skilled trade.

Additional features of this program include a ‘block programming’ delivery that allows students to complete their in-class hours in one of two sections either from Monday to Wednesday or Thursday to Saturday, and a welding capstone project in the fourth semester that challenges students to research, design, build and present a final project to their abilities and prepare them for the workplace.

This two-year program will provide students with exceptional welding skills sought by employers in the structural, pressure vessel and manufacturing industries. Students will learn from professors with vast welding experience to receive expert knowledge and practical skills that will foster their trade. This program will teach students to create and read blueprints; give them the skills of fitting metals and understanding their characteristics; equip them to work safely in the industry; and give them practical experience in weld shop and inspection methods. During the second year of this program students will manage a capstone project that will test the skills and knowledge they have learned, preparing them for a successful transition to the workplace.

This program provides an opportunity to introduce students to a field where employment opportunities are abundant, and also train them to meet the growing demands of the welding field. Students will learn traditional forms of welding such as gas metal arc welding (GMAW), flux cored arc welding (FCAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), as well as Plasma cutting and Air Arc gouging.

Graduates will be prepared to work in the manufacturing and construction sectors with the skills and knowledge to find entry level employment opportunities in a number of areas such as welding shops, manufacturers of metal products, piping and structural contractors, automotive and aircraft manufacturers, repair and maintenance services, building and construction industries, railroad and railcar industries and wind turbine manufacturers.

You will learn to:

• Perform safe work practices in the welding trade in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Regulations for Industrial Establishments.
• Prepare and interpret drawings that would typically be used in a manufacturing and/or fabricating environment.
• Perform all positions in shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, flux core arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding utilizing mild steel and structural shapes with various consumables as well as open root welding on plate and pipe in all positions using the SMAW process.
• Identify the applicable code(s) or standards to be used in conjunction with each specific fabrication activity.
• Learn to use fitting skills to control distortion and correction techniques as they apply to expansion and contraction forces.

Co-operative education (co-op):

The best way to succeed in your field is to immerse yourself in it! Co-op is an excellent way to build your professional network, explore career paths and apply in-class teachings to real work situations. Co-op is a model of education that integrates academic learning with workplace learning in fields relevant to our students’ academic and personal goals. Similar to an academic course, work terms are a mandatory component to this form of experiential learning.

Students in the Welding Engineering Technician Diploma program will be invited to apply to the co-op option during their first academic semester. Entrance to the co-op option is limited and the processes for securing a work term are competitive.  Students who qualify for co-op will be eligible to complete a four-month, paid work term between the second and third semesters of their program.

Supports are available through the Co-op office to assist students with securing their work terms. In addition, the Co-op office is in contact with co-op students and their employers during the work terms to help with any questions. Upon completing the work term, co-op students return to campus to complete their final two academic semesters of the program before graduating.

This program will appeal to your creative, analytical and mathematical sides with instruction in freehand sketching and computer-aided drawing, sustainability and green technology, renovation and restoration, site planning, calculations of load, structural sizing and estimating project costs, and technical communications designed to prepare you for an exciting career in architectural technology.

In the three-year Architectural Technology program you will focus on the commercial aspect of construction and renovation and gain an in-depth understanding of building and construction technology. This program, designed to prepare you for an exciting career in architectural technology, will appeal to your creative and analytical side with instruction in freehand sketching; sustainability and green technology; history of architecture; renovation and restoration; site planning; and technical communications.

You will gain knowledge and apply skills in computer aided drawing, building methods and project management using the most current computer-aided drafting programs such as AutoCAD and Building Information Modeling. In addition, you will learn construction and sustainable technologies for materials such as wood frame, steel, masonry and precast concrete and develop project management skills.

Graduates employed in this field will be skilled in analyzing building codes to determine design requirements; drafting contract and bidding documents; assisting architects with drafting construction and design plans; and constructing design models. The sustainable design skills you will gain will make you current and relevant in today’s increasingly eco-friendly architectural field. Graduates are eligible to apply for additional industry-relevant certifications, which may be a requirement for some employers.

You will further your practical knowledge through a team project/placement component in your third year, which will strengthen your work experience as well as develop your skills in building code, building specifications, estimating and structural and mechanical knowledge.

This program is unique in Ontario: our well-equipped microbiology, chemical analysis, pharmaceutical and food processing facilities provide our students with hands-on experience in the methods and instrumentation used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, natural health product, cannabis and food science industries.  Our students learn the theory of and perform experiments mirroring industry procedures and protocols to ensure they are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to work in these high-demand industries.

During placement, students have the opportunity to gain experience at partner organizations, including food manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, analytical testing facilities and ingredient suppliers.

Graduates are employed in both the public and private sectors including:

• Bakeries, confectioners, pasta and snack food manufacturers
• Brewers, winemakers and beverage manufacturers
• Dairy, meat, seafood and canning processors
• Food additives and flavour manufacturers
• Government agencies
• Packaging, ingredient, and equipment suppliers
• Pharmaceutical, cosmetics and consumer health products manufacturers
• Research establishments and universities
• Third party testing labs

This program has broad career prospects and a graduate may become a(n)

• Analytical Chemist
• Instrumentation technologist
• Microbiologist
• Food, pharmaceutical or cosmetic manufacturing technologist
• Food product development technologist
• Food safety technologist
• Pharmaceutical technologist
• Quality assurance technologist
• Quality control technologist

In today’s skills-specific job market there is a demand for construction workers with the knowledge and skills to work in the evolving building construction industry. This program will provide foundational skills to transition into the current construction industry with a strong knowledge of the Ontario Building Code, latest edition. You will gain expertise in energy-efficient, sustainable and environmentally responsible homes built with up-to-date materials and low carbon footprint, including Net Ready and Net Zero designs. This is a great opportunity for energetic students to join the booming construction industry. Graduates will meet the Ministry of Labour’s Working at Heights training requirement.  Students will also have the opportunity to complete a co-operative education (co-op) or field placement, which provides invaluable real-life, hands-on work and industry experience that prepare graduates for successful careers.

CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION (CO-OP)
The best way to succeed in your field is to immerse yourself in it! Co-op is an excellent way to build your professional network, explore career paths and apply in-class teachings to real work situations. Co-op is a model of education that integrates academic learning with workplace learning in fields relevant to our student's academic and personal goals. Similar to an academic course, work terms are a mandatory component to this form of experiential learning.

A machine can do many amazing things, but it can’t take care of itself. This program allows students to develop skills in the theory and practice of machine fabrication and maintenance procedures including the installation, service, repair and overhaul of industrial machinery. Graduates are eligible for exemption from all of the in-school requirements for IMM 433A apprenticeship training. Graduates will meet the Ministry of Labour’s Working at Heights training requirement.

This program will prepare you to become a maintenance mechanic or technician by exposing you to the manufacturing, production and maintenance needs of several different industries. You will develop skills in the theory and practice of machine fabrication and maintenance procedures with an emphasis on the installation, service, repair and overhaul of industrial machinery.

Successful completion of this program will enable you to:

• Work safely while performing maintenance functions in manufacturing or processing environments.
• Select, align and install a variety of mechanical power transmission components.
• Build pneumatic and hydraulic circuits following a schematic.
• Use precision measuring tools.
• Troubleshoot equipment and operate common machine tools (drills, mills, lathes and grinders) to repair or remake machine components.
• Inspect and repair centrifugal pumps and valves.
• Plan and safely perform rigging and hoisting operations.
• Join metals using oxy-acetylene and electric arc welding techniques.
• Read and interpret mechanical, electrical and fluid power prints and schematics.
• Use applied math to perform a variety of trade-related calculations.
• Design and interpret a conventional electrical relay ladder logic control diagram at a beginner’s proficiency level.
• Design and interpret a programmable logic control diagram using offline programming techniques at a beginner’s proficiency level.
• Explain the operation of AC/DC motor control systems.
• Wire up and test elementary circuits using the various devices described above.

Students wishing to challenge apprenticeship exemption exams are required to pay an examination fee.

Co-operative education (co-op)

The best way to succeed in your field is to immerse yourself in it. Students will be invited to apply to the co-op option during their first year and entrance is competitive. Qualifying students will be eligible to complete a four-month, paid work term.

Crane operators are highly trained specialists who are in equally high demand. This program is the only one of its kind offered in Ontario and is designed to help students pursuing a crane operation apprenticeship to stand out and get a head start in a competitive field. Using leading-edge training simulations, you will learn the tools of the trade, rigging and hoisting methods and essential safety measures that will help you play a key role on any construction site. Graduates will meet the Ministry of Labour’s Working at Heights training requirement.

Executive assistants are administrative professionals who contribute to the effectiveness of an office in an important way. They manage projects and budgets, make travel arrangements and manage events, prepare communication and take on a collection of essential tasks. Excellent at time management, project management and multi-tasking, they are critical to any organization. You will learn from professionals who are current in their field and will have the opportunity to enhance your resumé with real-life work experience.

Classes in this program are offered in a compressed format on three consecutive days each week.

This two-year diploma program is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge required of an executive office assistant. You will gain extensive practical understanding and knowledge of office concepts; business operations and procedures; current computer software; and how to collaborate on various management activities.

You will develop your skills through various learning methods such as group and individual projects, discussions, lectures, case studies and office simulations.

Emphasis is placed on the practical demands of the job including:-

• High-level word processing skills
• Preparing professional documents with accuracy
• Developing presentation, Internet, email, project management, spreadsheet and database skills in a network environment
• Interpersonal and human relations
• Meeting deadlines
• Organizing activities

If you choose to pursue this option, you should enjoy working on computers and interacting with others. In addition, you must be willing to work to develop a professional level of ability in business skills.

A diploma from the Automotive Technician – Service and Management (Motive Power Technician) program is your key to a world of opportunity in a high-tech, challenging industry. Learn the theory of mechanical procedures in a hands-on environment, guided by experienced, trade-certified professors. Graduates of this program can go on to specialize in high-demand areas of motive power including automotive, truck and coach, off-road equipment, marine and small engines, stationary equipment and diesel engines. This program also includes the essential business skills to help you find the right job with the right employer. Graduates are eligible for exemption from the Level 1 and 2 of the in-school requirements for AST 310S apprenticeship training.

This program will give you the skills and training required to pursue a variety of careers in the transportation and automotive fields. As a graduate, you will be prepared to enter the motive power trades with highly skilled trade qualifications and essential business communication, marketing and interpersonal skills. Successful completion of this program will enable you to:

• Create work orders related to the motive power trade and industry
• Diagnose motive power engines, electrical/fuel systems, motive power drive line, directional control systems (steering, suspension and brakes) and air conditioning
• Search and find parts/service information from manuals and computerized systems
• Apply proper disposal, storage and handling practices as they pertain to environmental legislation
• Understand management principles such as business structure, accounting, human resources management and parts/supply management
• Students wishing to challenge apprenticeship exemption exams are required to pay an examination fee.

Guided by a field-to-fork philosophy, this program prepares students to be leaders in the rapidly evolving food sector. Working in a one-of-a-kind environment, you will learn to create the wholesome, locally produced, farm-fresh food in demand by today’s consumers, and how you can contribute solutions to communities looking to feed cities in creative and sustainable ways. In addition, you will experience how agri-tourism brings urban residents to farming and will have an enhanced awareness of local food production.

With more than 50 hours of your time spent in the labs and fields of the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, you will gain a unique hands-on opportunity to become familiar with the concepts that are critical to the food and agricultural industry, all within the context of a field-to-fork philosophy. You will learn in our fields, greenhouses, hoop house and state-of-the-art food chemistry and processing labs, while planning for, planting, tending to and harvesting more than 50 different varieties of produce, berry bushes, herbs and more.

Through the development of your own value-added food products, you will have a greater knowledge and understanding of the opportunities that come with food production. Whether you are interested in a career with a food company, managing a food operation, developing your own food product or owning a greenhouse or production farm, you will gain critical skills in modern farming concepts and food processing to position you as an industry leader.

The Food and Farming program will offer you a hands-on opportunity to become familiar with the concepts of food production. You will focus on:

• Plant propagation
• Soil and plant nutrition
• Fruit and vegetable production under field, greenhouse, garden and container conditions
• Product development
• Food processing including niche processing of local foods
• Food and agriculture regulations
• Disease and pest management
• Business practices including product branding, entrepreneurship and marketing.

It will be offered at the Whitby campus, home of the college’s new Centre for Food. This incredible new learning centre will undergo further expansion to include orchards, agricultural fields, greenhouses and more. Students will also utilize the specialized laboratories at the college’s Oshawa campus and participate in several field trips through the year.