The Construction Ready program is developed in consultation with industry experts and is geared to youth and adults who have an interest in working in the construction and trades industry. Students will be prepared for entry-level jobs in the construction industry where demand is high and earning potential is good and have all required safety certifications. Construction employers will gain a highly trained and experienced workforce which supports in strengthening British Columbia’s economy.

Research indicates that between 2021 and 2030, there will be over 100,000 job vacancies in the construction industry due to retirements and industry growth. Employers must find creative solutions, including hiring entry-level employees and helping them to develop the skills required on the job.

Successful graduates of this program may also explore opportunities to pursue further development in the trades or other related areas.

This program emphasizes a hands-on approach to training, where experience gained in the workshop is focused on industry practice. The necessary theoretical work component is integrated into the program to complement and enhance the practical. Industry tours will expose the student to a variety of work environments.

After completing a mathematics review, students learn how to use hand tools, power tools, and test equipment safely; learn safety procedures; read and interpret drawings; learn how to perform site work, use scaffolding, and access equipment. Practical application of theory is demonstrated in the shop of our campus. Contained within the program is training towards certification for WHMIS and Standard First Aid CPR/AED Level 1.

Graduates will be able to work as entry-level employees on residential/commercial construction job sites. They will have essential safety certifications required for employment and basic skills that will allow them to contribute at a basic level to a variety of residential/commercial construction projects.

Prior to acceptance, applicants must successfully complete the admissions interview and meet each of the following requirements listed under items 1) and 2) below.

1) Fulfill Math Assessment Requirement

Domestic Students:

• Successful completion of a math assessment conducted in-house by Ace Community College with a minimum score of 50%.

• Successful completion of provincially recognized Grade 10, 11, or 12 Mathematics with a minimum passing score of C.

International Students:

• Successful completion of a math assessment conducted in-house by Ace Community College with a minimum score of 50%.

• International students can meet the Math Entrance Assessment requirement by providing an equivalent to Canadian High School Math 10, 11, or 12 with a passing grade of ‘C’. The credential must be evaluated and verified.

2) Fulfill Language Proficiency Requirement

All applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria (a, b, c, or d):

• Evidence that 3 years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8-12), or 2 years if the Grades are 10, 11, or 12, have been successfully completed in the program’s language of instruction in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages*.

  *Applicants are advised to contact ACE Community College to confirm whether their country is officially recognized as one where English is a principal language of instruction for the purpose of meeting this requirement.

• 2 years of full-time post-secondary education* have been completed in the program’s language of instruction in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages (includes international education credentials recognized through WES, ICES, and IQAS).

  *Language development courses (i.e., ELL courses) cannot be included in this calculation.

• Provide official, verified transcripts showing results for one of the English language proficiency tests listed below, with scores that meet or exceed the minimum requirements specified for each test. Test results must be dated no more than two years before the start date of the program:
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: Minimum overall score of 5.5
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT: Minimum overall score of 46
  • Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): Minimum overall score of 40
  • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5.
  • Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum overall score of 95
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Minimum overall score of 43
  • Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE) – Minimum overall score of 160 or “C”
  • Cambridge Linguaskill: Minimum overall B2 level
  • LANGUAGECERT Academic: Minimum overall B2 level
  • The Michigan English Test (MET): Minimum overall B2 level
  • iTEP Academic: Minimum overall score of 3.5
  • EIKEN: Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1

Mature student applicants ONLY:

• Applicant is 19 years or older at the start of the program and is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who cannot access their educational records or provide sufficient evidence of secondary or post-secondary education as outlined above:
  • Applicant must provide attestation that they have completed at least three years of full-time instruction in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages,

• Applicant completes an Accuplacer English Assessment (Next Generation: Reading, Writing, and WritePlacer) and achieves the following minimum scores:
  • Reading: 230
  • Writing: 230
  • WritePlacer: 4

Upon completion of this program, students will be equipped to:

• Comply with health and safety practices and procedures in accordance with relevant legislation and regulations.
• Apply basic medical first aid as appropriate to emergency situations likely to be encountered in the workplace.
• Select, maintain, and safely use hand tools as well as portable and stationary power tools when performing basic construction tasks.
• Select a range of materials for appropriate application to building construction and renovation projects.
• Contribute to the completion of building projects in accordance with industry standards and instructions from supervisors.

• Weekly on-campus tests will be conducted.
• Students will be given a final exam.

• Successful completion of all on-campus tests with a minimum of 50% overall average.
• Successfully passing the final exam with a minimum of 50% overall average.
• Successful completion of Level 1 CPR/First Aid and WHMIS training, which will be completed during the program.

• The total program hours are 180.
• The full-time program length is 6 weeks.
• The part-time program length is 12 weeks.

Students can expect to complete 1 to 3 hours of homework per day.

• Construction Ready E-book
  • AUTHOR: ACE Community College
  • PUBLISHER: ACE Community College

Program Organization