THOSE seeking to launch or advance a successful career in the building industry will get a boost this fall when classes get underway in Red River College's new Construction Management degree program.
Designed to help those in the skilled trades and engineering technologies bridge into further post-secondary education, the new offering focuses on residential construction, heavy construction and industrial/commercial construction. It is the first degree program approved by the province since Manitoba colleges received degree-granting authority in 2009.
Manitoba's construction industry is anticipating tremendous skilled labour shortages over the next six years, with senior supervisory positions being of the highest urgency.
Combining 26 months of academic study with three six-month co-operative education work terms, the new program entails 144 credit hours.
Students who graduate from the complete four-year program will earn a bachelor of technology in Construction Management.
"The Construction Management degree program will encompass technical foundation skills, some of the latest construction techniques, relevant work experience through co-operative education placements and courses that lead to other credentials, such as the Canadian Construction Association Gold Seal certification," says Dr. Dale Watts, dean of RRC's School of Construction and Engineering Technologies.
"With experience, graduates of this program will be well-prepared to provide leadership in the construction industry."
The new degree program will help graduates with their transition to managerial positions within the industry. It will offer focused and relevant learning that is anticipated to streamline the process of construction manager training. It will prove valuable to students by informing and helping employers to structure subsequent on-site work experience.
With a September 2010 start date and a limited number of seats available, the program is anticipated to be popular among recent high school graduates and those seeking to advance within the industry. The new degree program is being introduced following extensive consultation with industry leaders about current needs. The Manitoba Home Builders' Association, Winnipeg Construction Association and Manitoba Heavy Construction Association all participate on the program advisory committee.
"This represents a whole new opportunity for students who want to pursue a career in the construction industry," adds Dr. Watts. "There is now and will continue to be a significant demand for qualified construction managers in Manitoba to address the industry's needs."
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
