Centre for Construction & Engineering Technologies
News & Events
 Technology Career Fair
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
10:00am to 2:00pm
Casa Loma Campus - Gymnasium
An opportunity for GBC students in the Centre for Construction & Engineering Technologies to learn more about careers in the technology industry by meeting directly with the employers who have hired our students in the past.
Full details 
Learn as You Go with George Brown Apprenticeships
George Brown College now offers two new one-year apprenticeship training courses in Electrical Techniques and Plumbing Techniques.
Read the full story here: 
Waterfront Campus Site Visit
In November 2011, Ali Haj-Shafiei's BLDG 2045 - Construction Site Management, Supervision, and Inspection class visited the waterfront campus at 51 Dockside Drive to see for themselves the current construction status of the new 8 storey building and underground parking garage.
See the photos from the visit 
Associations Fair 2011
On November 16 2011, the Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies invited their students to speak with representatives from various associations within their professional industry. This provided students with the opportunity to learn about membership benefits and application processes, get licensing or accreditation instructions, discuss career opportunities within the industry and expand their network of contacts.
Attending Associations included:
See the photos from this event 
GBCareers Contest Winner
Hercules Pedroso from the Architectural Technology program was the grand prize winner of the GBCareers Contest. He won the iPod Touch. The contest ran from Oct 11-21 2011 and was open to students registered in a full-time program.
School of Mechanical Engineering Technologies showcase their projects at the Ontario College Information Fair 2011

On October 25th 2011, The Centre for Construction & Engineering Technologies took part in the Ontario College Information Fair 2011 at the Direct Energy Centre.

The Fair is the largest concentration of student prospects in Ontario, and is the largest recruiting event of the year. OCIF brings in high school students, non-direct college prospects, parents and other family members, and teachers and guidance staff. This was an excellent opportunity to showcase the strengths of The Centre for Construction & Engineering Technologies.

School of Mechanical Engineering Technologies students presented demos of their projects including a - Electric Race Car (Adam Piercey, Mathew Nettleton, Milovan Borisavljevic) and a Wind Turbine (Andrew Stuart, Phillip Blundell).

Trade skills competition team gets Student Service/Experience Award

Skills competition team gets Student Service/Experience Award: The group of Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies employees who devote hundreds of hours to create a winning student team for the annual Ontario’s Skills competition was presented with the Student Service/Experience Award at the President’s Breakfast in late August. on hand to receive the award from President Anne Sado were (from left) co-team lead support officer Patricia Sturino, professors Milt Aimoniotis, Steven Racey, Bob Visentin, co-team lead dean’s assistant Jennifer Barbier, and professor Vince Masella.
INFORMATION SESSION for Prospective Students
Wednsday, November 23
6:30pm - 8:00pm
2011 George Brown College Achievement Awards
The Centre for Construction & Engineering Technologies would like to congratulate all of their staff who were nominated for the 2011 George Brown College Achievement Awards!
Jamie McIntyre – Innovation Award
Ontario Skills Competition Team - Student Service/Experience Award
On May 31, 2011, Alumni Relations & the Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies hosted a networking lunch at The Chefs' House. Alumni were invited to hear the latest news from George Brown College, mingle with fellow alumni and college faculty and staff, win great draw prizes, and update us on their careers.

The day included guest speaker Rick Huijbregts, VP of Smart & Connected Communities at Cisco Systems Canada. Rick is our Executive-in-Residence person plus the Chair of the new Program Advisory Community for Building Automation.
“We encourage alumni to maintain their relationships with the College and with other graduates; and that’s why industry networking events like this are so important. George Brown College Alumni play such a vital role in developing the future of this institution – as friends of the college, employers, and industry leaders, it’s important to stay connected.” explains Stefanie Linton Director of Alumni Relations. “Alumni Relations is dedicated to supporting alumni after graduation – and we were delighted to meet and talk with past George Brown College graduates at the Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies Alumni Networking event at the Chef’s house last month.”
See the photos from this event. 
Ontario Technological Skills Competition 2011
This year, 22 Centre for Construction & Engineering Technologies students competed in The Ontario Technological Skills Competition on April 30 - May 2 2011 at RIM Park & Manulife Financial Sportsplex in Waterloo, Ontario. Over 50 contests in the skilled trades and technologies are offered at the competition to elementary, secondary and post-secondary level students, which attract over 1500 competitors and 20000 visitors from across the province. These contests allow participants to showcase their skills, talent and knowledge while providing them many networking opportunities with partners from industry, labour, government and education.
Please join The Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies in congratulating the competitors of this year’s Skills Ontario competition. We would also like to extend our thanks to all the faculty advisors who volunteered so much of their time including many weekends to ensure the success of their students – as the students themselves remarked, they could not have done it without you.
See the photos from this event 
Architectural Technology & Design
Sandor Soltesz
Eric Robinson
Faculty Advisor: Jacek Gorka
Carpentry
Joel Elliott
Faculty Advisor: Michael Bezemer
Computer Aided Manufacturing
Kyle Cornish
Ray Rookes – BRONZE Skills Ontario
Faculty Advisor: Matthew Manton
Heating Systems TechnicianMatthew Cesario – GOLD Skills Ontario
Dustin Milne
Faculty Advisor: Steve Racey, Vince Masella
Industrial Mechanic Millwright
Samantha Smith
Darrin Johnson
Faculty Advisor: Brian Durie
Industrial Wiring
Philp Whitehead
Jordan Waters – BRONZE Skills Ontario
Faculty Advisor: Ted Lewis, Peter Vree |
Mechanical CADD
Riccardo DeRosa
Michael Matsumoto
Faculty Advisor: Valeria Varga-Batha
Plumbing
Mitchell Palfrey
Faculty Advisor: Rainier Blundel
Refrigeration
Sergejs Golomedovs – BRONZE Skills Ontario
Adam Betts – SILVER Skills Ontario
Faculty Advisor: Milt Aiomonitis
Sheet Metal Work
Jeffrey Goheen – SILVER Skills Ontario
Jeremy Nicholson – GOLD Skills Ontario
Faculty Advisor: Chris Vickers
Electrical Wiring
Ryan Philipp
Wesley Vahrmeyer
Faculty Advisor: Peter Vree
Precision Machining
Stella Tobun – SILVER Skills Ontario
Nicholas Maillet
Faculty Advisor: Pradeep Kalsi |
The competitions were simulations of real life situations and provided the students with a challenging day. “The day was interesting, frustrating and exciting all at the same time!” claimed one student. All were in agreement that they were glad that they participated and would recommend other students to give it a try.
Jeremy Nicholson who in his words, “fell into the sheet metal trade by luck but is very glad he did”, was also the recipient of a $1500 award sponsored by Colleges Ontario.
Matthew Cesario who originally wanted to be a Plumber but is very happy that he ended up in the Heating Systems Technician program instead as he “absolutely loves it”, claimed that going to school is one thing but that the competition takes the lessons he’s learned to a whole other level and that it was definitely a worthwhile experience. He also won a monetary award of $1,000 sponsored by the TSSA.
As the Sheet Metal Apprenticeship competition is a recognized event at the national level, Jeremy Nicholson will be attending the Skills Canada event that will be held this June in Quebec City. Best of luck to him; let’s bring home another gold Jeremy!
Our Graduates Have the Soft Skills Employers Value
Toronto-area employers say George Brown – more than other GTA colleges – is producing graduates they feel are best ready to enter their workforce armed with the soft skills they value most, such as customer service and communications. According to a recent study by Northstar Research Partners commissioned by the college, employers singled out George Brown as their top choice for producing graduates that hold the soft skills most in demand among new hires. The study found employers:
- Were approximately twice as likely to single out George Brown graduates for the strength of their soft skills than any other college in the GTA.
- Placed George Brown first in each of the 13 skill categories identified.
- Viewed George Brown as the college producing the highest quality graduates overall, a full 11 per cent higher than the second most favourably perceived college.
The research study polled, via telephone, a sample of 705 GTA employers across multiple economic sectors, including health sciences, hospitality and culinary arts, business, construction, IT, engineering, community services and early childhood education. Polling took place between November 24 and December 20, 2010.
Marco Nicolosi of Eastern Construction (left) looks over the resume of a soon to graduate student at a recent job fair
organized by the Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies. GTA employers say George Brown graduates
have more of the soft skills they value most – such as customer service and communications – than graduates of other
local colleges, a recent study says.
On March 29 2011, ninety-five students from the T110 and T148 Building Renovation programs competed in the RONA Cabinet Making Competition at Casa Loma Campus.
Judges Shayne Arthey, Rona – Ontario Regional Manager and Tom Balcarras, Building Renovation Program Coordinator awards for prizes that include Bosch tools and Rona Gift cards to Conrad Starkowski (3rd place), Ron Nguyen (2nd place), and Ryan Patricio (1st place).
The competition was sponsored by Rona, Bosch, and the Centre for Construction & Engineering Technologies.

2011 Dinner with the Dean The Centre for Construction & Engineering Technologies held its second annual Dinner with the Dean - Nancy Sherman, on March 29th 2011 to enjoy an evening of food, drink, socializing and acknowledging the great work of our Peer Leaders, Peer Liaisons, Ambassadors, faculty and staff.
Peer Leaders facilitate out-of-class sessions related to high-risk courses. Leaders use specific course content to model and practice learn-to-learn strategies. They employ co-operative activities and learning structures to allow students to “experience” the content differently and promote effective group learning.
Adam Piercey
Adrian Di Domenico
Amanda Figueroa
Amir Azmayesh
Christephanie Uy
Colin Sullivan
Courtney Richard
Daneyka Lauchu
Daniel Garnier
Hafeez Tukuru
James Johnston
Jocelyn Kent
Leah Leeking |
Luis Perez
Mark Lising
Mei Ling Kwok
Mohammad Abbasi
Natalie Bryan
Patricia Miyazono
Riccardo De Rosa
Sandor Soltesz
Sarah Butler
Si Jia Chen
Theresa MacDonald
Theresa Pacariem
Yael Elimelech
Ye Wang |
For more information please visit www.georgebrown.ca/studentsuccess/peerleaderapply or e-mail success@georgebrown.ca
Peer Liaisons volunteer their time and act as messengers taking information back to their classrooms. As well this group meets every two weeks to discuss classroom issues using The Leadership Challenge as a vehicle to hold that conversation.
Ali Shahid
Curt St. Hilaire
James Johnston
Jason Snider
Jimmy Pembe
Justin Morrison
Kalkidan Bekele
Lonnie Edwards |
Michael Da Estrela
Nasser Naoshad
Phillip Seepersaud
Randall Antoine
Ronak Gandhi
Sarah Butler
Sasan Haddadi
Sean Dalton |
Ambassadors contribute to the success of the Centre for Construction & Engineering Technologies while capturing the opportunity to learn outside of the classroom through volunteering with the Industry Liaison Office during on- and off-campus recruiting and career events. Prior to and during these events, the ILO relies heavily on Ambassadors to handle such employer guest relations, registration, facilitating tours and other duties as assigned.
Ali Shahid
Bryan Bumanlag
Christephanie Uy
Christine Graystone
Daniel Garnier
Dariuz Darqiuz
DJ Kwon
Fernando Igreda
Greg Heenan
Hyacinth Ortiz
Ian Brako |
James Johnston
Kalkidan Bekele
Mark Lising
Pascal Uwajeneza
Reshman Hussen
Theresa MacDonald
Theresa Pacariem
Thilo Kopfer
Tuan Nguyen
Yi Su
Yuriy Buryachenko |
For more information please visit Dean's Certificate for Recognition
2011 Technology Career Fair
On February 8th 2011, The Centre for Construction & Engineering Technologies & the Industry Liaison Office hosted the 2011 Technology Career Fair in our Casa Loma campus gymnasium.
Hundreds of students from the School of Architectural Studies, School of Construction Management and Trades, School of Computer Technology, and School of Mechanical Engineering Technologies were in attendance to hear first hand from over 30 local, national and international employer industry partners how they can fit into the job market.
Employers benefited from having the opportunity to meet the people behind the resumes, spread information about their company, pre-interview students on-the-spot, and recruit future employees.
Students benefited from having the opportunity to network with employers, learn more about career options, and apply for available full-time employment, summer internships, and co-op opportunities. In addition, our students were able to walk away from the Career Fair with a wealth of information on future employment opportunities, as well as new and changing evolutions in their field.
Hundreds of Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies (CCET) students meet with potential employers at a recent job fair at Casa Loma Campus. Employment in the construction and technology sector is expected to grow dramatically in the coming decades as the GTA population grows and baby boomers retire. George Brown is now embarking on a $250 expansion campaign that includes creating a new $60 building at Casa Loma that would allow it to increase the number of students in these fields.
Associations Fair 2010
On November 10 2010, the Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies invited their students to speak with representatives from various associations within their professional industry. This provided students with the opportunity to learn about membership benefits and application processes, get licensing or accreditation instructions, discuss career opportunities within the industry and expand their network of contacts.
Attending Associations in alphabetical order included:
See the photos from this event 
In November 2010, Mark Krantzberg's BLDG2106 - Structural Systems Analysis (Engineering Reinforced Concrete) class visited the waterfront campus at 51 Dockside Drive to see for themselves the current construction status of the new 8 storey building and underground parking garage.
George Brown program helps students decide which construction field is the best fit for them
Alicia Parrott-Barros and Joanna Palma could not be more different, yet they wound up at the same place in their quest for a career. Parrot-Barros always knew she wanted to work in the trades but couldn’t get past the gender bias. Palma didn’t really know what to do with her life. The turning point for both came when they enrolled in a new program at George Brown College offering students the chance to sample six construction trades in just one year.
The construction trades techniques program gives students a grounding in welding/ steamfitting, plumbing, electrical, millwrighting, carpentry and sheet metal/air conditioning (HVAC). “The course teaches all the basics of the trades and it’s great for people like me who are trying to break into the trades,” says Parrott-Barros, 22, a recent graduate. “I am very interested in the trades but I was having great difficulty getting in. They kept telling me, ‘But you’re a woman’.” She developed a keen interest in welding in Grade 10 at Danforth Technical Institute, when she took an online career survey and found herself matched to an unusual occupation: commercial diver. “I didn’t even know what that was so I started researching it and discovered they were underwater construction workers,” she says. “They are scuba divers who do everything from salvage operations to recce dives to welding underwater to bridge maintenance.” An accomplished swimmer and lifeguard, she signed on for scuba diving lessons and is close to obtaining her master’s licence. – Paul Dalby, special to The Star
Students from the Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies Renovation program will be showing their skills at the Rona cabinet competition, and competing for prizes that include Bosch tools and Rona Gift cards. The event takes place on Tuesday, March 29th, from 11 AM - 12 PM at the Casa Loma campus in the hallway in front of E228.
Come out and see the outstanding craftsmanship of your fellow students.

On June 16, 2010, the Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies and Tridel hosted a Day of Discovery for the B.O.L.T. (Building Opportunities for Life Today) Program. Approximately 70 young adults interested pursuing a career in the construction industry were exposed to hands on demonstrations of Brick Laying, Coin Stamping and tour of a construction site. Lunch was provided and industry professionals were on hand to answer questions regarding educational opportunities and requirements to pursue a construction related trade.
See the photos from this event 
From June 2-4, 2010, Alumni Relations & the Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies hosted the Eighth Annual Canadian College Environmental Network (CCEN/CUESN) Conference Network & Trade Show.
This year’s theme was “The Green Economy: Policy, Education, Research à Opportunity” which included many presentations and discussions, including “The Mayor’s Tower Renewal Project” by the Mayor of Toronto, The Honourable David Miller.
The Conference Network & Trade Show opened with a welcome reception at the Steam Whistle Brewery and concluded with tours of Exhibition Place’s GREENSmart Program & Enwave Energy Corporation’s Deep
Lake Water Cooling system. 

2010 George Brown College Achievement Awards
The Centre for Construction & Engineering Technologies would like to congratulate all of their staff who were nominated for the 2010 George Brown College Achievement Awards!
Brickworks Team – Innovation Award
Chris Timusk, Professor - L.E.A.D Award
Krisztina Arany, Dean's Assistant - Support Staff for Excellence in Service (WINNER)
Jennifer Barbier, Student Service Representative - Student Service/Experience Award
John Camarda, Mechanical Engineering Technology Design program coordinator - Excellence in Teaching and Learning

Krisztina Arany, Dean's Assistant - Centre for Construction & Engineering Technologies, was presented with the 2010 Support Staff for Excellence in Service Award by George Brown College President Anne Sado.
Trevor McGrath is building his future and he's getting a hand from Canada's most recognizable handymen.
McGrath, a 2008 graduate from Quinte Secondary School , is currently entering his third year of the Construction Science and Management program at George Brown College and recently found out he is one of 10 Canadian students to be awarded the Holmes Foundation's Make It Right Scholarship.
[Read the full story] 
Evergreen Brick Works Children's Greenhouse Design Charrette
Below is a journal summary of our Third Semester Architectural Technology (T109) & Architectural Technician (T132) Students recent weekend Design Charrette in June 2010 undertaking the design of a children’s grow-house / greenhouse, “treehouse” and outer spaces at Evergreen Brick Works. The focus was to create an educational experience building for children to learn sustainability, urban farming and food/plant growing methods.
By Christine Graystone, Architectural Technician student
“There were many great lessons and benefits for all of us who participated in the June 2010 weekend Design Charrette for patron, Evergreen Brick Works, to design a children’s' greenhouse at the Brickworks. Yet, one idea encompasses the boon of the three days; the social interaction of the educational experience provides the most benefit. The mixed company of students and professionals eliminated our assumptions regarding performance and our expectations on deliverables.
Teammates with diverse opinions from different institutions of thought melted away our limitations while we concentrated on being, above all, creative-despite the distraction of the G20 protestors just a few blocks away. We were allowed to work with architects and even some experts who directly represented those who would use the greenhouse, 9 and 11 year olds. This teamwork effort was the most true to work life venture I have experienced while at college.
Just when I thought I knew myself, the Charrette taught me a lot about how I function within group dynamics and reminded me of the integral role that great job ready skills can offer new graduates. This was my first experience in a learning Charrette and I believe the exposure to a high priority deadline instilled a strong appreciation in us for the importance of maintaining forward momentum even if you're not exactly sure of where it will take us.
Meeting new people and challenging ourselves to work well as a team so quickly got us in line fast. All the design submissions were distinct and had winning ideas. The entire event was as exhilarating as it was enlightening. I would do it all again, gladly!”
[View photos of the charrette]
Skills
Canada 2010 Medalists – Two George Brown students came back from the Skills Canada finals in Kitchener-Waterloo recently with
some extra hardware. Eric Ganton (left) won a Silver Medal for Ontario in the architectural computer aided drafting and design
category and Shayne Claringbold won a gold medal in the sheet metal category. Both earned their spots on the provincial team by winning
gold medals in an earlier provincial competition that saw five other George Brown students earn silver medals and six other students
earn bronze medals. Students won medals in computer aided manufacturing, refrigeration, precision machining, industrial millwright,
mechantronics, heating systems and plumbing categories.

 On May 28, 2010, Alumni Relations & the Centre for Construction and Engineering
Technologies hosted a networking lunch at The Chefs' House. Alumni were invited to hear
the latest news from George Brown College, mingle with fellow alumni and college faculty and staff, win great draw prizes, and update us on
their careers.
“We encourage alumni to maintain their relationships with the College and with other graduates; and that’s why industry networking
events like this are so important. George Brown College Alumni play such a vital role in developing the future of this institution – as
friends of the college, employers, and industry leaders, it’s important to stay connected.” explains Stefanie Linton Director of Alumni
Relations. “Alumni Relations is dedicated to supporting alumni after graduation – and we were delighted to meet and talk
with past George Brown College graduates at the Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies Alumni Networking event at the Chef’s
house last month.”
The day included guest speaker Bill Hutchison of Hutchison Management International, who’s
working on exciting projects along Waterfront Toronto. Bill chairs Waterfront Toronto's i-Waterfront
Advisory Council and he is Waterfront Toronto’s Executive Director, Intelligent Communities, responsible for ensuring that Toronto’s
2000 acres of revitalized waterfront lands become one of the world’s leading Intelligent Communities.
Guests spanned a time period of over 30 years, from Construction Engineering Technology (1978) graduate David LeFevre to recent Mechanical Technician
- Tool & Die and Mechanical Engineering Technology - Design (2009) graduate Clayton Wozney. “Just a short note to thank you for inviting
me to last week's alumni luncheon.” expressed Clayton. “In short, it was fantastic! I loved the food, the venue was perfect
and I enjoyed the guest speaker and meeting the other school and industry representatives that were there. I hope this grows and becomes
an annual event and/or you plan other types of events. Congratulations to you all and your staff (and the students that prepared and served
the meal) for putting on such a great event. I look forward to seeing you all again soon!”
See the photos from this event 
 Mechanical Engineering Technology - Design graduates Win 1st Place ”College Division - Electrathon America” at the 2010 Connecticut Electrathon
Below is a journal summary of our Mechanical Engineering Technology - Design graduates recent 3 day road trip to compete in the 2010 Connecticut Electrathon.
The Connecticut Electrathon
By David Cottle
The 2010 Connecticut Electrathon was a huge success! We competed in a US circuit that was put on by the Central Connecticut State University , at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Connecticut.
What is Electrathon? It is a global movement to develop and experiment with alternative means of transportation. Currently there are classes involving both solar electric and strictly battery powered vehicles. Both sectors have various design and safety regulations that must be adhered to, including head clearance through a drop test of the vehicle, a five point harness, and a prone driving position is not permitted.
Read more and view photo gallery of the event 
Associate Dean Jeff Litwin delivered a keynote entitled “Who’s Getting the Biggest Research Bang for the Buck?” at the 79th annual Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences held May 28 - June 4th 2010 at Concordia University in Montreal
Read the National Post article
George Brown Construction Degree Students part of An Award Winning Industry Team
Bachelor of Applied Technology Degree - Construction Science and Management students
Jessica E. Caguiat & Katarina Kirchhoff showed off their entrepreneurial spirit when they decided to start up their own environmental consulting firm to complete the requirement of their program’s four month Co-op Work Experience 
Soon after registering as J&K Environmental Consulting, they connected with James Ramesbottom at Wilmar Court Seniors' Residence . Under his mentorship, they began working to produce two documents - a binder called “The Sustainable Environmental Initiatives” and a section in the William Court management plan outlining the general environmental initiatives in the facility.
“This experience (in my eyes) was the most valuable learning experience I could have ever hoped for. I learned a lot in the environmental stream thanks to James and we owe much gratitude to him for helping us successfully complete our co-op credit for graduating. Not only was this a completely humbling achievement for J&K Environmental Consulting but knowing that we made a difference to being more environmentally friendly makes it that much more exciting.” explains Jessica E. Caguiat.
All the hard work paid off when Wilmar Court Seniors' Residence was the recipient for the Toronto Green Award of 2010 for Energy Conservation. On April 23, 2010 the City of Toronto in partnership with Green Living, celebrated the people, organizations and neighbourhoods helping lead the way to a greener Toronto at the sixth Green Toronto Awards ceremony at Exhibition Place.

Bachelor of Applied Technology graduate Jessica E. Caguiat (right) poses with Green Toronto Awards - Energy Conservation 2010 Award Winner James Ramesbottom & Toronto Mayor David Miller
George Brown College Sees Growing Demand in Construction Programs

A student learns masonry restoration techniques with an instructor at George Brown’s Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies
Nancy Sherman doesn’t have a crystal ball to predict what skills the construction sector will demand in the future, but this technical educators’ recent experience suggests that there is an ample supply of young people interested in capitalizing on a well-publicized skills shortage.
As Dean of George Brown College’s Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies she’s been juggling the demand for spaces in the programs and working with the industry and trades to ensure the right graduates with the right skills are ready to pick up tools and get to work.
“We used to hold monthly information sessions,” says Sherman. “And we could still fill a room every month, but we don’t do it because there are more people interested in the program than we have spaces. Last term we turned away 1,200 qualified candidates because we had no room.”
The programs offered cover the gamut of trades and construction management and it is in the latter that industry observers, including Sheridan, see a looming need for qualified graduates.
“The statistics we’re seeing suggest those in management now are going to be in a financial position to retire soon,” she says.
“And as someone in the industry said to me recently, there’s no such thing as a small project. Even a house which could be worth $500,000 to $1 million needs a manager and there’s a need for managers on all sizes of projects.”
Currently there are some 3,000 students in the program clusters which include refrigeration and air conditioning, construction
engineering management, building renovation architectural studies, bachelor of construction science and management, graduate certificate
in construction management for internationally educated professionals and a one-year trades techniques program.
There are also some 700 full-time apprentices in the trades programs.
Sherman says George Brown’s shift in 2004-2005 to offer a degree program has attracted growing interest from students interested in a management path.
It’s an area where qualified bodies are surely needed, says Clive Thurston, president of the Ontario General Contractors Association.
“Construction sites are much more complex than ever,” he says, “It’s not just about slapping bricks and mixing mortar. “
The amount of regulatory paperwork, inspections and sign-offs that are part of the daily work cycle mean there’s a growing demand for trained managers and technicians.
While it’s a message he says he’s “been harping on” as OGCA president, Thurston said it can be difficult to get tradespeople to make the shift to management.
Many see an initial move into management as taking on more responsibility and risk with lower income and benefits, at least initially.
On the other hand, Sherman says, given the current shortage of apprenticeship positions in the trades, management presents an opportunity.
“The problem isn’t that there’s a shortage of skilled trades,” says Thurston, “it’s that many don’t want to travel to where the work is.”
And that’s understandable says Patrick Dillon business manager of the Provincial Building & Construction Trades Council of Ontario, since many have families and responsibilities in their own communities.
“One, misnomer, I think, that exists in government circles and elsewhere is that community colleges teach people how to be carpenters, electricians or boilermakers whereas in fact they learn their skills hands-on at the jobsite,” says Dillon.
“Only about 10 per cent actually train in the colleges — the rest are on the site or at the union training facilities.”
Others, says Sherman, take the college program with an eye to presenting themselves to potential employers as apprentices ready to hit the ground running.
Still, Sherman and Dillon say the partnership with the colleges and the unions’ own training facilities is working well in meeting the needs of apprentices fortunate enough to grab a spot in the government sponsored programs.
Finding a way to encourage more trades or students to switch to administration and management, however, is an area where Dillon says there is an opportunity for the labour movement.
“Traditionally these aren’t union jobs,” he says. “So there’s been little interest from the trades.”
So, he says, some innovative thinking is required to change that.
Source: http://dcnonl.com/article/id38869 
Larry Mailloux: No tie required, but it helps.
Larry has taught in the Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship for about three years. He currently teaches in the Sheet Metal Apprenticeship program.
He’s one of many teachers at the college who started working on their teaching portfolios this year. He says working on his teaching portfolio is helping him to be the best in his profession. “It requires a great deal of energy, knowledge, and self-reflection.”
When asked about his instructional goals, Larry says, “Instead of concentrating on students remembering facts and memorizing assignments or text, I prefer to have open discussions. I have students write and talk about what they are learning, how it relates to their work experience and how they can apply these concepts.” To accomplish this, he has his students design and build a sheet metal project to meet specific construction criteria.
Larry’s played an important role in his students’ successes. “A lot of my former students have developed into important industry contacts that stay in touch long after graduation.”
Watching his students succeed in his course and in their careers invokes a sense of pride and accomplishment in him. “I understand completely the great deal of time and energy it takes to be a successful teacher and have been doing so for some time.”
He says, “My passion and enthusiasm for my trade carries over to my students and inspires them to want to learn more and stand out both in school and in the workplace.”
Third Annual Mechanical Engineering Technology - Design
Student Project Showcase & Student Achievement Celebration
On April 23 2010 students, instructors and staff celebrated the success of our graduating students in their final semester and participated in judging students final semester projects.
View the photos of this event 
Third Annual Electromechanical Engineering Technician
Student Project Showcase & Student Achievement Celebration
On April 23 2010 students, instructors and staff celebrated the success of our graduating students in their final semester and participated in judging students final semester projects.
View photos for this event 
School of Construction
Management and Trades students exploring Toronto’s past and future through partnership
with Evergreen
Brick Works

George Brown Building Restoration student Ryan Hunkin cuts a concrete block at the Evergreen Brick Works in the Don Valley near Pottery Road. [Read
more...]
George
Brown’s Apex Contracting Inc. placed first for Most Accurate and Complete Bid in this year’s 2010 Simulated Student Bid Competition
hosted by The Construction Institute of Canada. Read full story here: http://www.dcnonl.com/article/id38489.

Team Members: David Petrozza, Joseph Lisi, Mark Farano, Anthony Zambri
Dinner
with the Dean, March 2010
The Centre for Construction & Engineering Technologies held its first annual Dinner with the Dean - Nancy Sherman, on March 30th 2010 to
enjoy an evening of food, drink, socializing and acknowledging the great work of our Peer Leaders, Peer Liaisons, Ambassadors, faculty
and staff. [More...]
Building Renovation Technology Instructor Wins BILD 2010 Renovator of the Year Award
In February 2010, Building Renovation Technology instructor
Sandra Baldwin, President - A. Lifetime General Contractor Ltd., was presented with BILD’s 2010 Renovator of the Year award.
The Renovator of the Year Award is bestowed on the renovator who sets the standard for the rest of the renovation sector by their leadership
in improving the overall image of the renovation industry.
“The judges had a very, very difficult time this year resulting in close competition in every category but ultimately, someone has to be
the best of the best,” said BILD President and CEO Stephen Dupuis. The winners of the 2010 BILD Renovation and Custom Building Awards ascended
to the podium on Friday, February 19 as the building industry kicked off the National Home Show at Exhibition Place, Toronto.
The Centre for Construction & Engineering Technologies wishes to congratulate Sandra on this accomplishment. Our students are
fortunate to be able to learn from Sandra and her industry knowledge, experience and expertise.
 TECHNOLOGY
CAREER FAIR 2010
On
February 9th 2010, The Centre for Construction & Engineering Technologies & the Industry Liaison Office hosted
the 2010 Technology Career Fair in our Casa Loma campus gymnasium. [More...]
 Evergreen Brick Works, September
2009
Second year students from the T110 - Building Renovation Technician Program are spending 2 days a week at the Evergreen
Brick Works focusing on masonry restoration as part of their BLDG2035 Restoration
Methods and Materials I - Applied Theory and Practices course. [More...]
Orientation 2009
On Thursday September 3rd 2009, first year students partook in their Orientation session at the Casa Loma Campus Gymnasium.
This event provided them with the opportunity to meet fellow classmates, their faculty, learn more about their program, enjoy some great food,
learn their way around campus, explore the college, and find out what the upcoming year has in store!
See the photos from the CET Orientation 2009
INNOVATION
AWARD: School of Mechanical
Engineering Technologies Professor Leo Salemi is presented with the 2009 Innovation Award by George Brown College President Anne
Sado.

The Archetype Sustainable House at
The Living City Campus at Kortright
On July 22, 2009, members from the college community were given the opportunity to tour an Archetype
Sustainable House at The
Living City Campus at Kortright.


Shon Sorenson - Kortright Centre Instructor, Leo Salemi - Electro-Mechanical Engineering Professor, Loreto
Forte - Electro-Mechanical Engineering Coordinator, Meadow Larkin - Applied Research & Innovation Operations
Manager, Luigi Ferrara - School of Design Director, Andrew
Fraser - Industry Liaison & Technology Transfer Manager, Baaba Lewis - Academic
Excellence, Zal Petrowich - Senior Industry & Student Recruitment Officer
Plumbing was installed by George Brown College and features low flow toilets and shower/tap fixtures, hand
free fixtures and many other advanced features.

Shon Sorenson - Kortright Centre Instructor, Rolf Priesnitz Apprenticeship Programs Director
Ontario Technological Skills Competition 2009
This
year, 17 Centre for Construction & Engineering Technologies students competed in The
Ontario Technological Skills Competition on May 4-6 2009 at RIM Park & Manulife Financial Sportsplex in Waterloo, Ontario. Over 50 contests
in the skilled trades and technologies are offered at the competition to elementary, secondary and post-secondary level students, which attract
over 1500 competitors and 20000 visitors from across the province. These contests allow participants to showcase their skills, talent and knowledge
while providing them many networking opportunities with partners from industry, labour, government and education.
Find our the names of the winners and see the photos from the event
COMP 3055 - Field Project Presentations
This
past Winter 2009 semester, an excellent group of nearly 70 candidates - 48 students from our Computer
Systems Technology – T147 program and 16 students from our Computer Systems Technology -
Bachelor of Computer Applications - T247 program were involved in real world projects with our industry partners. [Read
more...]

Second Annual T143/T153 Mechanical Technician - Tool & Die Student Achievement Celebration
On April 17, 2009 several of our Co-op employers and Suppliers were invited to participate in joining our students and staff
to celebrate the success of our graduating students in their final semester and to participate in judging students final semester projects

Final Semester students displayed their final projects and were given awards by their Faculty and Staff for their achievements in various courses throughout the program.

Staff awarded a "Best Design Award".

First and Second semester students also received achievement awards.

Our job Connect Partners discussed employer incentives for our grads.
Dean's
Certificate of Recognition 
The Dean's Recognition program has been designed to provide students with the opportunity to contribute to the success of the Centre for
Construction & Engineering Technologies while capturing the opportunity to learn outside of the classroom. Students who volunteered for
this program were required to assist with Information Sessions, Orientations, Career Fairs, Technology in the City Events, External Shows, and
Summits throughout the academic year.
We would like to congratulate all of the volunteers below for successfully meeting the requirements of the certificate and for making the Dean's
Program such a success!
- T105 Andrew Bettencourt
- T105 John Fisico
- T105 Ian Grant
- T105 Nathan Hird
- T105 Kevin Scanlon
- T105 Alan Terry
- T105 Patrick Thompson
- T109 Sofia Abaza
- T109 Glenda Lemus
- T109 Jessica Mcintosh
- T109 Andy Trotter
- T121 Rameez Ayaz
- T127 Abhishek Shrivastava
- T132 Réjane Anderson-Cormier
- T143 Navdeep Brar
- T147 Gjorgji Stojanoski
- T160 Deitrex Cabatic
- T301 Latasha Rouse
- T302 Daniela Logiudice
- T302 Virad Peters
- T302 Gillian Bashford
- T411 Michael Xu
Technology in the City 2009 - March 25, 2009
'The Truths and Myths about Trades and Technology'
Our eighth annual Technology in the City was a great success and we enjoyed hosting nearly 500 16-18 year olds,
comprising of about 150 Grade 12 students who have been accepted into George Brown and about 350 Grade 10-11
students who will be choosing their post-secondary schools in the near future. There were also some mature
student applicants, teachers, guidance & career counsellors in the audience. The day allowed students to explore the different career
opportunities in technology and the trades by interacting with current students and faculty, and seeing student projects
first-hand. [Read more...]
Technology Career Fair 2009
On February 4th
2009, The
Centre for Construction & Engineering Technologies & the Industry
Liaison Office hosted the 2009 Technology Career Fair in our Casa
Loma campus gymnasium. Over 400 students were in attendance to hear first hand from over 30 employer industry partners how they fit into
the job market upon graduation.
[Read
more...]
George Brown Student
Wins Silver at Skills Canada Competition
On May 25 and 26, George Brown student Lawrence Lee participated in Skills Canada at Stampede Park
in Calgary, Alberta, bringing home a silver medal in the Mechanical CADD Competition. [Read
more...]
Ontario Technological Skills Competition
2008
This year, ten Centre for Construction & Engineering Technologies students competed in The Ontario Technological Skills Competition on May 5-7 2008 at RIM Park & Manulife Financial Sportsplex in Waterloo, Ontario. Over 50 contests in the skilled trades and technologies are offered at the competition to elementary, secondary and post-secondary level students, which attract over 1500 competitors and 20000 visitors from across the province. These contests allow participants to showcase their skills, talent and knowledge while providing them many networking opportunities with partners from industry, labour, government and education.
Lawrence Lee (T121 - Mechanical Engineering Technology Design/T143 - Tool & Die) will take part in the Mechanical CADD contest area at this years 14th Canadian Skills Competition held May 25 to 28, 2008 in Calgary, Alberta.
Mechanical CADD
Student: Lawrence Lee - Gold
Faculty Advisor: John Camarda
Computer Aided Manufacturing
Student: Daniel Kershen - Gold
Student: Dan Muirhead
Faculty Advisor: Matthew Manton
Industrial Wiring
Student: Rick Moriarity - Silver
Faculty Advisor: Peter Vree
Industrial Mechanic Millwright
Student: Bryan Begall - Bronze
Student: Tom Hunt - 4th place
Faculty Advisor: Brian Durie
Heating Systems Technician
Student: Hany George - 9th place
Student: Rex George - 10th place
Faculty Advisor: Jim Grivas
Electrical Wiring
Student: Kyle Hall
Faculty Advisor: Gilles Brochu
Plumbing
Student: Andrew Longden
Faculty Advisor: Rainier Blundell
Photos of our students at this event (opens a new window)
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