You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!
The banners on the left side and below do not show for registered users!
If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact contact us.
Campus ForumTHIS SPACE OPEN FOR ADVERTISEMENT. YOU SHOULD BE ADVERTISING HERE! The Student Life
School events, activities, rate your prof, students helping each other..
^ i can't relate 100% to your question cause i did attend university.. But I am currently taking a part-time certificate program at BCIT in the AutoCAD/Building Design as it is a hobby of mine.
Most of the classmates in my class are already in the field or in ways are related to the field... E.g. carpenters and framers who want to start their own business in doing their own design work for houses.
I think the part-time program offers a good chance for networking and gives you a good technical backbone for the field you want to get into. However, I think a full-time course is the way to go.
Any of you looking at HVAC at bcit, heres an update, i think i did one last year.
Program: HVAC Co-op
Length: school 22weeks, work 22 weeks, school 10weeks, work 22 weeks, school 10weeks > diploma values at 4 years of training, even tho the program is only 2.5 years long.
(I have completed 2 school terms, and currently on my 2nd work term)
Term 1. 4/16 failed.
Term 2. 3/11 failed.
Instructors will yell at you, call you a filter bitch, kick your tools (bcit tools) if they are spread out everywhere and not around your (worksite)
Instructors do have an awesome sence of humor, and will help, but for 80% of the time "FIGURE IT OUT YOURSELF" because when you are out on the field, noone will hold your hand.
Program is 70% theory, this means memorize 300 pages, 50 pages of written notes, and then have a 3 hour exam every friday. 65% pass mark. Fail three tests, you are out of the program. Or fail ONE rewrite and you are out of the program. (Keep in mind this varies how much your instructor likes you. My moms a shop teacher, and if you bring her a box of chocolates, for some reason your 70% grade turns into a 80% grade, but if you piss her off, your 70% grade may be a 50% grade. THIS APPLIES TO ALL TEACHERS.)
You learn everything, not just HVAC, electrical, plumbing, welding, millwright, science, etcetc. This is the king of all trades.
Hands on projects are great, build an AC unit, walk in cooler, etc. But they only consist of 10-20% of the program.
The co-op program HELPS you find a job, DOES NOT guarantee you a job. roughly 5-20 jobs get posted online per term, that companies are looking for apprentices. its your job to apply and get hired.
Term one 4/12 did not have a job for their work term.
Term two 2/8 dont have a job yet.
If you can survive this program, survive in the field, you will never need to worry about money, Pay starts at 14-18$/hr avarage (we have one guy that got started at 25/hr lucky fuck)
And pay maxes out at roughly 60/hr (usually after 10 years.) (you can be making 40/hr in under 5 years.)
Work its self, you could be changing filters for 2 years, (filter bitch) you could be hauling around 200LB compressors with two other guys, you could be in vancouver, or you could be in chilliwack, its SUPER variable, in every aspect.
There is three or four different ways of taking this program from bcit.
Do i reccomend it?
Only if you know you can have no life while in school, and study your ass off, i studied more in the first month of this program, than in my four years of highschool combined.
If you dont study, and know your shit, you WILL fail.
Lastly attitude will help you pass the program and pass your work terms, if your journeyman, or instructor likes you, as stated before, he wownt care that you messed up once.
After you complete the HVAC program do you get your journeymans or do you still have to do an apprenticeship?
1. Program (whatever you choose)
2. Finish program.
3. Deploma.
4. 7200 WORKING hours. (IndustryTrainingAuthority)
5. Write IP exam.
6. You are a bar of gold. (in other word journeyman) (I will have restricted electrical, gas B, and HVAC licence's)
I just want to make sure of something
If you pay your tuition fee early, do you get also get your U-pass early?
My class starts On September but i kinda want to get that U-pass this month
You can only get your Upass when your program starts..
Since you're starting in September, you can go pick up your Upass on August 22.
depends on the program i think, my friend wasnt able until a week before classes (Accounting) and me autos I was able to get mine a more than a month ago and my classes start on the 20th (although i havent picked mine up yet) and when you pay your fees
You paid for a may upass, so you can get it when it becomes available. Where as the other guy paid for September and beyond but wants it 4 months in advance, not going you happen. He didn't pay for those 4 months. Posted via RS Mobile
^Were you in the presentation this afternoon for building science?
It really depends on what you want to go into. The two electives are completely different. Alot of my first year friends went into the architectural science elective.
In building science you'll learn a lot about heat conductivity, thermal transmittance, condensation in wall assemblies, stack effect and how to calculate all of these.
There is a fair amount of report writing but between the two there is far less work in Building Science, but that's just IMO.
But like I said, it really depends on what you want to go into. Keep in mind though taking Building science still allows you to apply for the Arch sci degree program.
__________________
Quote:
[19-07, 16:52] bloodmack: EB did u change my avatar and title?
Quote:
[19-07, 16:54] El Bastardo: bm i have no idea what you're talking about because i don't speak gorilla
^Were you in the presentation this afternoon for building science?
It really depends on what you want to go into. The two electives are completely different. Alot of my first year friends went into the architectural science elective.
In building science you'll learn a lot about heat conductivity, thermal transmittance, condensation in wall assemblies, stack effect and how to calculate all of these.
There is a fair amount of report writing but between the two there is far less work in Building Science, but that's just IMO.
But like I said, it really depends on what you want to go into. Keep in mind though taking Building science still allows you to apply for the Arch sci degree program.
Thanks for the info. Was at the presentation but still hard to make a decision.
Heard it may be harder to build a good portfolio to get into Arch Science degree when taking the Building Science option though, not sure if it's true.
Thanks for the info. Was at the presentation but still hard to make a decision.
Heard it may be harder to build a good portfolio to get into Arch Science degree when taking the Building Science option though, not sure if it's true.
If you are ABSOLUTELY SURE you want to continue into the degree (I mean like you enjoyed the autocad classes with Paul, and you liked your drafting classes). And you are sure architecture is still your thing, Do the architectural option.
If you don't want to be an architect, or don't like the drawing part or w/e, GET OUT NOW.
There is no reason to do the architectural degree unless you are sure you want to be an architect. (and keep in mind that means that you are commiting to atleast another year of classes after the degree program (more commonly it takes 2 or 3 years after the degree completion).
If you just want to do something in construction, like becoming a project manager, or superintendant or w/e. TAKE ECON.
If you really want to become a specialist in cladding and building envelope systems take building science (I will kind of warn you though this market is slowly becoming saturated with So-called experts).
I deeply regret wasting my time in the architectural option, when I almost full and well knew I didn't want to go down that path.
The other bonus of Econ, is if you end up doing the Construction Management degree you end it with a PQS designation which you would not get unless you chose the Econ option.
---
The other thing I will mention and this may be of no relevancy to you, and its certainly not to dampen your dreams or anything, but architecture is TOUGH. The nature and essence of the job is difficult and subjective, you either have an eye for design or not. If you are one of those rare individuals who has a real eye for it, you will go far and eventually make a lot of money. If you are middle of the pack, the world is littered with mediocre architects who make pennies and work their asses off.
Construction management, or working on the actual building side vs the design side will get you MUCH farther in the salary department.
I'm talking like $60+k within a couple years of graduating out of ABET, complete the construction management degree and make some of the right moves career wise, and you can easily start clearing 100k in less than 5 years.
And the potential doesn't stop there, your salary will only continue to grow, there are plenty of grey haired PM's and CM's making 300k a year.
Thanks for the info. Was at the presentation but still hard to make a decision.
Heard it may be harder to build a good portfolio to get into Arch Science degree when taking the Building Science option though, not sure if it's true.
That info in my opinion is false. Like meme405 mentioned you really have to possess that creative flare to stand out with your work and portfolio.
I know a couple guys in the Arch option that can have crazy designs. It sort of comes natural to them and it seems easier. Others need to work extra hard at it. If you have that passion and flare like mentioned above, creating a good portfolio won't be hard at all.
Also keep in mind they will look at your grades as well. From what it sounds like though, you'd be better off going into building science. The Arch option is ALOT of work, and unless you're completely dedicated to it I would advise against it. If you thought first year was tough, going into Arch will make you think otherwise.
Every single year 90% of students go into the program wanting to become an Architect because they think they've got what it takes because they know how to draw. But what they forget being an Architect is more than just designing amazing buildings. You have to factor in city by-laws, owner requirements, building codes etc. Ultimately what the Architect sees or envisions for the building comes last.
Unless they changed the way they do things, you'll have small presentations by each of the 3 instructors from each elective. If you're still unsure, pop into the Arch labs and ask them for their opinions. All of the students are friendly and are more than willing to answer your questions.
__________________
Quote:
[19-07, 16:52] bloodmack: EB did u change my avatar and title?
Quote:
[19-07, 16:54] El Bastardo: bm i have no idea what you're talking about because i don't speak gorilla
I see, thanks for the info guys, very helpful and definitely gave me a better understanding of the different electives. Will take those suggestions into consideration when making my choice.
You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!
The banners on the left side and below do not show for registered users!
