School of Mining, Energy and Manufacturing

Building Systems Technician

Certificate
Building Systems Technician

Program Overview

There’s a lot of technology at work in today’s commercial and institutional buildings, from energy efficient boilers to complex HVAC systems (heating, ventilation, air conditioning). Building systems require regular, skilled maintenance—mechanical and technical. That’s why building systems technicians are always in demand. It’s a job that requires good problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.

Building Systems Technician is a one-year certificate program offered at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Regina Campus. You’ll receive comprehensive training in maintaining and operating electrical, ventilation, refrigeration and water treatment systems.

Most courses include practical activities to develop your troubleshooting skills. Time in a working facility will give students a real life experience during the second semester work placement. It’s a great way to use what you’ve learned in class and labs in a real-world setting. It’s also a way to develop contacts for possible future employment.

Certification Opportunities

Industry certifications are important to your career mobility and earning power. So, in addition to developing your knowledge and skills, Saskatchewan Polytechnic helps you prepare for industry certification exams. You’ll have an opportunity to write the Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan (TSASK) exams:

  • 5th Class Power Engineering (5th Class Power Engineering qualifies the certificate holder to operate equipment at the Fireman Boiler Operator level)
  • Refrigeration Engineer (Refrigeration Engineer qualifies the certificate holder to operate equipment at the Refrigeration Plant Operator level)

Personal study is recommended before you write any industry certification exam.

 

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

The Building Systems Technician certificate combined with industry certifications will open a lot of different doors. Graduates are working in building systems maintenance and operation in medium to large buildings (apartment blocks, hotels, malls, schools, health facilities, etc.). You could work in boiler and refrigeration plants, perform maintenance crew work or take charge of a building. Potential employers include building owners, property management companies and government agencies.

Potential Careers

Sample Job TitleNOC Classification1Earning Potential2
Maintenance ManagerFacility Operation and Maintenance Managers (0714)$50,100 - $139,800
Property AdministratorProperty Administrators (1224)$36,100 - $98,100
Heating and Air Conditioning MechanicHeating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics (7313)$37,500 - $110,300

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s): September
Length: 40 weeks

Locations

  • Regina

Admissions

Admission Requirements

  • Grade 12 with a minimum of 60% in Workplace and Apprenticeship Math 30 or 60% in Foundations of Math 20 or 60% in Pre-Calculus 20*
  • English Language Requirement

Note

Although First Aid and CPR are not admission or graduation requirements, many employers will require them prior to commencing your work experience; therefore, you are encouraged to obtain this certification prior to program commencement or as soon as possible after program commencement.


*Previous Saskatchewan mathematics requirement also accepted:

  • Math A30

Alternative Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through an alternative admission assessment. Applicants are automatically considered for alternative admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met.



ACCUPLACER©

Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Alternative Admission using Accuplacer.

  • 250 Arithmetic
  • 247 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics
  • 250 Reading
  • 245 Writing

Post-secondary

Some programs allow applicants to meet the admission grade level requirement using 15 approved post-secondary credits. Review additional information.

If the program applied to has specific course requirements, they may be met through alternative post-secondary courses. Review already approved courses that may be used for admission purposes for your programs.

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake. 

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year. 

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as approximate cost for books and supplies. Visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program.

 

2021/22 Academic Year

$7,805

International Students

View tuition rates for international students.

Courses

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Semester 1

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
BLDG 113
Building Applications 1
4
Show course details
You will perform tasks related to electricity, lighting, plumbing, interior and exterior systems.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
CODE 103
Legislation Codes and Safety
3
Show course details
You will recognize and apply different types of legislation, codes and regulations, and their applications. You will use and interpret blueprints. Your studies will include safety practices, fire safety and fire systems.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
COMP 172
Introduction to Microsoft Word and Excel
1
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You will learn the purpose and uses of a word processor and electronic spreadsheet. You will develop the basic skills of creating, editing and formatting documents and spreadsheets.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Equivalent Course(s): COAP 120, COAP 172, COAP 381, COMP 120, COMP 172CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning
ENGP 107
Power Lab 1
4
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You will practice safety needed when working around boilers. You will learn about components and systems associated with boilers. You will use proper technics to start up and shut down a boiler system.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Corequisites(s): MAIN 109
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
HEAT 100
Heating Systems
3
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You will study the components of hydronic, steam heating, electric, infrared, and warm air heating. You will operate hydronic, electric, infrared, and warm air heating systems. Your studies will involve ventilation and humidification. You will perform heating system maintenance.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Corequisites(s): HEAT 107
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
MAIN 109
Building Systems Maintenance
3
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You will work with basic tools and fasteners while maintaining a safe workplace. Your studies will include discussing boiler fittings, piping and valves as well as welding terms and inspections. You will discuss plant layouts and diagrams.You will practice skills used in plant maintenance.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): CODE 103(concurrent)
Corequisites(s): ENGP 107
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
MATH 104
Applied Mathematics
3
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You will solve practical problems using arithmetic, linear equations, geometry and right triangle trigonometry. You will manipulate and use some formulas related to your trade.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): MATH 182, MATH 193
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
TCOM 105
Communications for Technicians
2
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You will learn and practice written, oral and interpersonal communication for the workplace. You will apply these skills as team members and in short presentations. You will also develop effective job search strategies.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): COMM 127, TCOM 102, TCOM 105CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
THER 182
Thermodynamics and Mechanics
2
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You will receive an introduction to the field of thermodynamics. You will learn the quantities, units and principles involved in elementary thermodynamics. You will learn the concepts of basic mechanics.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): PHYS 224
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
Total semester credits: 25

Semester 2

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
BLDG 114
Building Applications 2
4
Show course details
You will safely troubleshoot basic electrical and plumbing systems. You will perform interior and exterior maintenance of buildings.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): BLDG 113
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
BLDG 115
Consumption and Waste Management
4
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You will identify water savings measures in buildings through detection and repair of leaks, operational changes, and low-cost equipment improvements. Your studies will include examination of water and sewer bills for savings opportunities. You will study irrigation and drainage systems and solid waste management. You will perform the steps of an audit.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
BLDG 116
Energy Management
4
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You will be introduced to construction characteristics and maintenance requirements of various types of buildings. You will investigate how sealing and insulating techniques impact energy consumption and conservation. You will examine techniques used with green buildings.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
BLDG 117
Building Automation
4
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You will be introduced to building control systems in medium to large size buildings and study various types of controllers. You will learn how to manage central control systems as well as practice operating basic control systems. You will identify the safety and control of building lighting systems.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
CLTR 200
Culture and Diversity
2
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Your studies will focus on the many dimensions of culture and approaches to promoting inclusion and innovation. You will explore culture in Canadian society as it pertains to Indigenous and immigrant populations. You will also examine the correlation between culture and diversity.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
ENGP 106
Power Lab 2
4
Show course details
You will practice workplace safety. You will perform boiler inspection and maintenance in accordance to provincial codes and regulations. You will test the interlock for the boilers. You will perform water tests. You will interpret combustion and draft data.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): ENGP 107
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
PROJ 287
Project Management
2
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You will be introduced to project management. You will examine the basic theory of project planning and control, from project initiation to project close out. You will apply research techniques and various tools to practice project management theory in a variety of projects. You will practice skills using project management software.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): MGMT 222
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
SEM 101
Technology Seminars
1
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Your orientation will include discussions regarding the role of technicians/technologists in the workplace and society. You will study time management skills, diversity in the workplace, principles of sustainability and safety requirements.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Equivalent Course(s): ENGM 181, ETHC 183, ORTN 120, SEM 104
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
Total semester credits: 25

Semester 3

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
ENRG 100
Renewable Energy
3
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You will examine alternative energy sources. You will identify where to access government grants and funding agencies in the alternative energy sector.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
PROJ 109
Capstone Project
2
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You will reflect on the skills, training, and knowledge you acquired throughout your work experience. Using the knowledge you acquired in the program, you will prepare a presentation recommending changes for the company for possible implementation.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Corequisites(s): WORK 108
Potential Learning Method(s): Independent Study, Lecture/Lab, Online
RFRG 104
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems
4
Show course details
You will be introduced to principles and theories related to refrigeration systems. You will discuss refrigerants as well as refrigeration components and equipment. You will operate and maintain refrigeration equipment.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): THER 182
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
WORK 108
Work Experience
0
Show course details
You will have an opportunity to observe and participate in the operation of a boiler in the workplace. This experience will help you relate the theory you learned to an operational plant. It will also help you develop contacts for possible future employment.
Credit Units: 0
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Prior Learning, Work Experience - Group, Work Experience -Individual
Total semester credits: 9

Get Credit for What You Know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

See link(s) below to get more information about PLAR.


Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.

Student Awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

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