Diploma in Mechanical Technician - CNC and Precision Machining (Co-op)

at George Brown College - Casa Loma Campus Canada

Rising fuel costs, indoor air quality and climate change are all contributing factors in raising awareness of the true cost of energy. There is a great need for energy-efficient building environmental system design, construction and maintenance.

In the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician program students will:

• Develop the ability to size, install and maintain building environmental systems for the residential and light commercial sector.
• Gain solid skills and knowledge in design, operation and maintenance of environmental systems, in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R).
• Develop practical skills through hands-on experience, working on a wide range of furnaces, air conditioners, refrigeration equipment and other appliances in our labs.
• Gain competency with industry-ready skills in soldering, wiring and electric control circuitry and troubleshooting for HVAC and gas installations.
• Use computer-aided design software to assess building heating and cooling requirements, select appropriate equipment and develop HVAC system drawings and specifications for the residential market.
• The program follows industry-standard design practices for environmentally responsible and energy-efficient residential, commercial and industrial systems, as established by the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI), the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Canada Green Building Council.

Note: When you enrol in the program in January, you are required to complete semester 2 in the summer (May to August) of the same year in order to continue into semester 3 in the fall.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
• Relate effectively to heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning supervisors, coworkers, and customers.
• Work safely and in accordance with all applicable acts, regulations, legislation, and codes to ensure personal and public safety.
• Select and use a variety of heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning tools and equipment safely and properly.
• Solve math and applied science problems required to effectively install and maintain heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning systems, and associated components.
• Prepare and interpret electrical, mechanical, and piping drawings.
• Install, service, and troubleshoot heating, refrigeration, air conditioning systems, and associated components.
• Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development, that will lead to enhanced work performance and career opportunities, and keep pace with industry changes.

The Computer Systems Technology program is designed with extensive input from industry and offers two optional specializations in its third year. The Networking specialization focuses on network security, voice-over-IP (VoIP) and wireless LANs. The Systems specialization focuses on mail server administration, content management systems (Collaboration), database administration and computer security. Both specializations include core courses on infrastructure virtualization (through the VMWare IT Academy) and cloud computing, along with best practices in Information Technology.

The three-year Computer Systems Technology program is designed with extensive industry input and offers two optional specializations in its third year:

The Networking specialization focuses on network security, voice-over-IP (VoIP) and wireless LANs.
The Systems specialization focuses on mail server administration, content management systems (Collaboration), database administration and computer security.
Both specializations include core courses on infrastructure virtualization (through the VMWare IT Academy) and cloud computing, along with best practices in Information Technology (IT).

George Brown College continues to invest in up-to-date networking, wireless, radio frequency, VoIP and security lab equipment, so that all students gain hands-on experience in installation and configuration of equipment ranging from small offices all the way to enterprise-class hardware and software. This investment, along with the hands-on teaching environment, was recognized by Cisco when the college was designated an Area Support Centre and Instructor Training Centre, and became part of a very select group of Cisco Networking Academies in Canada.

In the third year of the program, students will be involved, hands-on, in real-life projects or case studies. These may be completed independently, in conjunction with an industry partner, or George Brown's Office of Research and Innovation, and may include developing proposals and working in teams to plan, set schedules and achieve specific goals in the field of information technology. Through some of these projects, George Brown students have recently helped develop IT solutions for hospitals, large corporations and major IT and telecommunications service providers, including Bell Mobility, Rogers Communications, Cogeco Data Systems and many other well-known companies in the Greater Toronto Area.

This program covers all courses of the official Cisco CCNA Routing & Switching curriculum. The curriculum also prepares students to write several other examinations leading to industry certifications, such as the Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) and Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate.

Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Identify, analyze, design, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, document and monitor technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
• Analyze, design, implement and maintain secure computing environments.
• Analyze, develop and maintain robust computing system solutions through validation testing and industry best practices.
• Communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationship.
• Select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
• Apply project management principles and tools when responding to requirements and monitoring projects within a computing environment.
• Adhere to ethical, social media, legal, regulatory and economic requirements and/or principles in the development and management of the computing solutions and systems.
• Investigate emerging trends to respond to technical challenges.
• Analyze, plan, design, implement and administer computer systems and cloud solutions.
• Research, design, deploy, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade and decommission computing system infrastructures.
• Select and apply scripting tools and programming languages to automate routine tasks.
• Install, monitor, optimize and administer a database management system in response to specified requirements.
• Design, implement and administer technical support processes for computing system infrastructures that aligns with industry best practice.

The Cyber Security graduate certificate program at George Brown College is designed to meet the high demand for cyber security professionals and related IT security professionals across multiple sectors – including consulting services, finance and health care.

As a student in this program, you will begin with learning the theory and practical skills required to become a cyber security professional, including the differences and similarities between cyber security and hacking. You will learn about the primary attack surfaces (physical, social, electronic), methods for compromising the attack surfaces, and how to mitigate potential attacks.

In the third semester, you will learn advanced techniques in ethical hacking incident response. A capstone group project will provide you with an opportunity to showcase your skills and talents for potential employers. These skills include:

• Digital forensics and incident response management
• Ethical hacking and analyzing malware
• Delivering security training
• Applying cryptography

In addition to traditional technical skills, the cyber security professionals of today require many non-technical skills and talents, such as:

• Analytical skills
• Written and verbal communication
• Project and time management skills
• Interpersonal and conflict management skills

Students graduating from this program are prepared to help defend organizations from the many cyber threats, including malware, network attacks and data compromise. They will have the capabilities to monitor, assess and evaluate security risks and threats to physical and digital infrastructure, develop and implement security contingency planning, and lead the development of policies and procedures to ensure the mitigation of security risks.

Building Renovation Technician is a two-year program designed to prepare you for employment in the renovation and construction field, with sustainable design principles being key.

You will learn new construction and building renovation skills, carpentry techniques and new materials applications while gaining a solid understanding of the renovation-related trades. Hands-on training takes place in fully equipped labs where students practice framing and finishing techniques using sustainable design principles.

Practical applications include:

• Residential construction and renovations
• Millwork
• Demolition
• Framing
• Finishes
• Drywall installation and finishing
• Site management
• Cabinetry
• Stair construction
• Building code
• Basics in electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems
• Estimating

Note: When you enrol in the program in January, you are required to complete semester 2 in the summer (May to August) of the same year in order to continue into semester 3 in the fall.

Your Field Education Options
This program offers two field placement opportunities in semester 3 and semester 4. George Brown works with employers and industry partners to identify potential work experience opportunities. Students are also strongly encouraged to pursue self-directed industry work experience opportunities they believe would provide the learning experiences they value and meet the learning outcomes of the program. This valuable work experience can in turn be added to your resume.

In addition to more formal on-the-job work experience, George Brown College endeavours to provide additional learning opportunities with real-world challenges and clients. Find out more about field education at our Industry Liaison office.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Develop and use strategies for ongoing professional development to remain current with industry changes, enhance work performance and explore career opportunities.
  • Comply with health and safety practices and procedures in accordance with current legislation and regulations.
  • Assist in the preparation of material estimations and quotes and complete all work in compliance with the rights and conditions of contractual obligations, the Ontario and/or National Building Codes, applicable laws, bylaws, standards and ethical practices in the construction, renovation and conservation building fields.
  • Incorporate sustainability practices in the implementation of building construction, renovation and conservation projects in accordance with sustainable building guidelines.
  • Communicate and collaborate with diverse clients, supervisors, coworkers and tradespersons to complete projects on time and to maintain effective working relationships.
  • Interpret project plans and produce technical sketches and documents to support building construction and renovation projects.
  • Select and use technologies to obtain, organize and communicate building construction and renovation information.
  • Solve problems related to the implementation of building construction and renovation projects by applying the principles of basic technical mathematics, building design and building science.
  • Select, maintain and safely use hand tools, and portable and stationary power tools, when performing layout, cutting, fitting and assembly operations.
  • Complete building and renovation stages, from site layout and footings to the application of interior and exterior finishes, in accordance with blueprint specifications and conservation principles.
  • Select a range of materials and equipment for their appropriate application to building construction and renovation projects.
  • Schedule and assist in monitoring the progression of building construction and renovation projects by applying basic principles and strategies of project management.
  • Apply basic business principles and strategies to the operation of building construction and/or renovation enterprise.

The International Fashion Management program is a one-year graduate certificate program* designed for the student or industry professional with a serious interest in the international apparel business.

The program provides you with the skills essential to succeed in the global apparel market. As new communication technologies make the world a smaller place, more possibilities for the fashion industry emerge on an international scale, along with many related career opportunities.

You are exposed to world trade through the study of economic, legal and cultural factors that affect international trade policies. Specifically, the focus of study is on the understanding of business practices, global marketing, logistics and supply chain management as they relate to the fashion industry worldwide. The program content combines analytical and management skills, along with knowledge of world culture and understanding of the global economy, to enable success in the international apparel industry.

Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Manage processes relating to the international movement of apparel goods according to supply chain and logistics principles.
• Identify the knowledge of international trade and licensing agreements required to perform import, export and source functions in an apparel business operation.
• Analyze global economics and geopolitics to inform selection of international apparel business partners.
• Research and create a global marketing plan to support international apparel business strategies.
• Develop culturally appropriate strategies and techniques to communicate successfully in a global apparel business environment.
• Select current business practices, research methods, analytic techniques and tools required to conduct apparel business operations in a global context.
• Practise business ethically by applying principles of environmental, economic and social sustainability to domestic and international apparel operations.

Electromechanical Engineering Technology – Power and Control is designed to provide students with both theoretical and practical experience, enabling them to work in a wide variety of electrical engineering areas including power and control systems, utilities, industrial automation and robotics, instrumentation and process control. The curriculum incorporates theory, applications, practical experience and safety practices from power systems, utilities, manufacturing, control system, automation and computer industries, along with concepts from the sciences and humanities to ensure the graduate is equipped with technical knowledge, skills and practice.

Building automation systems don't just control the basics: they regulate airflow, monitor energy use and are integrated with security, lighting and other building systems to deliver comfort, safety and energy efficiency. Today’s buildings are increasingly complex, and they differ in use and size, but also in operating hours, comfort levels and environmental conditions. Offices, residences, hotels, schools and administrative buildings all have different requirements. Optimal building services technology is the result of appropriate systems design and integration during planning, construction, commissioning and operation.

This advanced diploma program in Building Automation provides students the technical skills they need for success in the job market. Students learn to:

• Install, program, adjust and maintain building automation systems
• Program and install sensors, actuators and controllers
• Collect data for use in real-time or for archiving in a central server
• Work with building software platforms that interconnect different systems

Graduates will have a diverse set of skills and abilities that will also prepare them for "green" careers focused on energy efficiency, renewable energy and the environment. This program provides a skill set that is in high demand in both the construction industry and the controls and automation industry.

Industry Skills

• Safety practices in the installation and troubleshooting of HVAC/R systems, including applicable codes and standards of the NEC, ASHRAE, OSHA, EPA and other regulatory bodies.
• Basic HVAC/R processes and the function, layout and operation of commercial HVAC/R systems.
• Functions, operating characteristics and applications of the control loops and control modes in digital, analog and pneumatic commercial control systems.
• Blueprints and manufacturer’s technical instructions for installing or servicing a sensor, controller, actuator and related relays and power supplies.
• General-purpose software and specific building automation software that monitors and controls HVAC/R and electrical systems.
• Various BAS controls and systems, including DCS, PLC, PAC and SCADA.
• Functions of network devices and protocols, such as a bridge, router, gateway, hub, firewall, twisted pair, Ethernet, TCP/IP, Zigbee, WiFi, BAS/IP and BacNet.
• Emerging green technologies, such as solar, wind and hydronic, and how they can be integrated into building systems and residential applications.

Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Fabricate and build electrical, electronic, and mechanical components and assemblies in accordance with operating standards, job requirements, and specifications.
• Analyze, interpret, and produce electrical, electronic, and mechanical drawings and other related technical documents and graphics necessary for electromechanical design in compliance with industry standards.
• Select and use a variety of troubleshooting techniques and equipment to assess, modify, maintain, and repair electromechanical circuits, equipment, processes, systems, and subsystems.
• Modify, maintain, and repair electrical, electronic, and mechanical components, equipment, and systems to ensure that they function according to specifications and to optimize production.
• Design and analyze mechanical components, processes, and systems by applying engineering principles and practices.
• Design, analyze, build, select, commission, integrate, and troubleshoot a variety of industrial motor controls and data acquisition devices and systems, digital circuits, passive AC and DC circuits, active circuits and microprocessor-based systems.
• Install and troubleshoot computer hardware and programming to support the electromechanical engineering environment.
• Analyze, program, install, integrate, troubleshoot and diagnose automated systems including robotic systems.
• Establish and maintain inventory, records, and documentation systems to meet organizational and industry standards and requirements.
• Select and purchase electromechanical equipment, components, and systems that fulfill job requirements and functional specifications.
• Specify, coordinate, and apply quality-control and quality-assurance programs and procedures to meet organizational standards and requirements.
• Work in compliance with relevant industry standards, laws and regulations, codes, policies, and procedures.
• Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance and to remain current in the field and responsive to emergent technologies and national and international standards.
• Contribute as an individual and a member of an electromechanical engineering team to the effective completion of tasks and projects.
• Design and analyze electromechanical systems by interpreting fluid mechanics and the attributes and dynamics of fluid flow used in hydraulic and fluid power systems
• Contribute to project management through planning, implementation and evaluation of projects, and monitoring of resources, timelines, and expenditures as required.

As the Information Technology (IT) sector continues to grow in Toronto and our industry partners report skills shortages, George Brown College is helping to meet employer demand by educating IT professionals who understand all aspects of computer systems. Our two-year Computer Systems Technician program provides students with a broad and in-depth technical base, through courses in the high-demand areas of system support, network administration and web technologies. The curriculum prepares graduates with the strong administration, troubleshooting and design skills they need for careers in IT.

As the Information Technology (IT) sector continues to grow in Toronto and our industry partners report skills shortages, George Brown College is helping to meet employer demand by educating IT professionals who understand all aspects of computer systems. Our two-year Computer Systems Technician program provides students with a broad and in-depth technical base, through courses in the high-demand areas of system support, network administration and web technologies. The curriculum prepares graduates with the strong administration, troubleshooting and design skills they need for careers in IT.

George Brown continues to invest in up-to-date networking, wireless and security lab equipment to help students develop hands-on installation, configuration and troubleshooting skills. Students use the NetLab platform, which enables them with 24/7 remote access to Cisco Systems physical equipment. This investment, along with our hands-on teaching environment, was recognized by Cisco when the college was designated an Area Support Centre and Instructor Training Centre.

Graduates of the Computer Systems Technician program are prepared to write several industry certification exams that are in demand by employers.

Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Identify, analyze, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
• Contribute to the diagnostics, troubleshooting, documenting and monitoring of technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
• Implement and maintain secure computing environments.
• Implement robust computing system solutions through validation testing that aligns with industry best practices.
• Communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationships.
• Select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
• Adhere to ethical, legal and regulatory requirements and/or principles in the development and management of computing solutions and systems.
• Assist with the implementation of computer systems.
• Install, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade and decommission computing system infrastructures.
• Automate routine tasks using scripting tools and programming languages.
• Provide technical support for computing system infrastructures that aligns with industry best practice.
• Implement the basic concept, principles, and scope of DevOps.
• Apply task automation using configuration management and the Cloud.
• Automate network administrative tasks across distributed clients.

A solid grounding in engineering sciences and practical hands-on experience in mechanical shops and computer assisted design laboratories provide the combination of applied and theoretical knowledge that employers expect in today’s integrated work environments.

In the third year of the program, teams plan and craft their own creations that require the application of all of the knowledge accumulated throughout the program. Once built, projects such as medical devices, entertainment equipment, solar-powered products and automotive accessories are often put on display and form an important part of the student assessment. More importantly, graduates learn to work in teams while solidifying their mechanical engineering knowledge and skills.

Note: If you enrol in the program in January, you must complete semester 2 in the summer (May to August) of the same year.

Your Field Education Options
Field study in the form of applied research is provided to all students.

Some students will also have the opportunity to complete a Co-op term. Co-op participants will be selected based on their academic performance, including a minimum GPA of 3.0 and an interview component.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Communicate clearly and concisely in written, graphic and oral form using appropriate formal and informal vocabulary and formats.
  • Display appropriate responsible attitudes.
  • Carry out established design procedures, making use of handbooks, catalogues, specifications, and codes. He/she should be able to recognize problems and apply established engineering practice to arrive at practical solutions.
  • Prepare and interpret detail drawings, assembly drawings and compile technical specifications.
  • Inspect, conduct tests, and compare and compile data in accordance with standard formats and procedures.
  • Assist in the planning, operation, control, and improvement of manufacturing and production processes.
  • Participate in the installation and maintenance of equipment and systems.

Rising fuel costs, indoor air quality and climate change are all factors in raising awareness of the true cost of energy, and the need for energy-efficient building environmental system design, construction and maintenance.

This program has been developed to address the current and future needs of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) industry. In the first two years you will study residential and some light commercial systems. In the third year there is an additional focus on commercial systems.

You will develop a firm understanding of the factors involved in designing, building, controlling and maintaining energy-efficient building environmental systems for a wide variety of requirements.

The program covers the basics of air system and hydronic (water) system theory, required to design distribution systems and select appropriate fans, pumps, heating and cooling plants, and system controls for larger buildings.

The program follows industry-standard design practices for environmentally responsible and energy-efficient residential, commercial and industrial systems, as established by the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI), the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Canada Green Building Council.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
• Relate effectively to heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration supervisors, coworkers and customers.
• Comply with applicable acts, regulations, legislation, and codes to maintain personal and public safety.
• Solve scientific, mathematical, and engineering problems related to designing, operating, and installing energy systems for commercial and industrial complexes.
• Prepare and analyze detailed drawings, and compile technical specifications for energy systems.
• Design, operate, and install energy systems for commercial and industrial complexes.
• Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development that lead to enhanced work performance and career opportunities, and keep pace with industry changes.