Why study architectural drafting?
What type of career can I expect?
Why should I study at UFV?
What type of courses will I take?
What do I need to get in?
I'm interested. What do I do next?
When should I apply?
How much does it cost? Can I afford to take this programAnything else I need to know?
Is there an upgrading option?
I'm not sure that this program is for me. Can I speak with someone about my options?
Why study architectural drafting?
You’ve always been interested in buildings and you’re graphically inclined; you also love working with fine lines and details. You’re also creative and interested in design skills and general aspects of engineering. With these skills and interests as a base, UFV’s 10-month Architectural Drafting Technician program can prepare you for employment within a wide range of architectural and engineering activities.
What type of career can I expect?
If you complete this program successfully, your training will not only give you the needed skills for employment in an entry-level position, but also a head start in your new career with either private design firms, public agencies, or departments which provide design and drafting services in architectural, civil, and related engineering fields. It is also excellent preparation for continuing your education in the field of architecture.
Why should I study at UFV?
UFV provides a full-time, 10-month program at the Canada Education Park in Chilliwack. This program has been specially designed to prepare you for entry-level drafting positions in the architectural, civil, and related fields. During these intense 10 months, our instructors create an environment that’s similar to the working world. You will be given the maximum responsibility for the solution of design problems and will be encouraged to develop your creative talents and techniques beyond the level demanded of a junior draftsperson. While learning how buildings are constructed, and mastering drawing standards in order to communicate your design skills and provide technical instruction, you will also become proficient at operating the latest version of AutoCAD. The program will give you experience in reading technical manuals and solving design problems.You will also learn how to work in a team-oriented environment that simulates
a busy design office.
UFV allows high school students to complete this UFV program through a concurrent studies model during their grade 12 year. For more information, contact your district/school career counsellor. You may also contact UFV's Trades & Technology Centre at 604-847-5448 or email trades@ufv.ca
What type of courses will I take?
First semester (September–December)
- ADT 1 Drafting Fundamentals and CAD
- ADT 2 Applied Mathematics
- ADT 3 Building Construction 1
Note: ADT 1 and ADT 2 are prerequisites to register for the remainder of the program.
Second semester (January–June)
- ADT 4 Building Construction 2
- ADT 6 Introduction to Structures
- CMNS 145 Technical Communications for Drafting
- ADT 5 Final Architectural Project
- ADT 7 Civil Drafting and Surveying
What do I need to get in?
You must be 19 years of age or older, or have your B.C. secondary school graduation (or equivalent), and have successfully completed one of the following with a C+ or better: Foundations of Math 11, Principles of Math 11 or Math 085. However, if you think you have equivalent courses or acceptable technical background, feel free to contact the instructors at 604-504-7441 , local 5428 or email trades@ufv.ca to make an appointment for orientation and assessment. If you have a successful interview and assessment, you may be eligible to enter the program without the above- stated prerequisites.
I’m interested. What do I do next?
Check out UFV’s online calendar at www.ufv.ca/calendar. From there you can download an application form and submit it, along with the $45 application fee to any UFV Admissions and Records office. You can also transmit it through the internet at www.pas.bc.ca. Along with your application, we’ll also need the following documents:
- proof of B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent
- a transcript (or interim transcript) showing your grade and course achievement as per entrance requirements
- or written permission from instructor.
Once we’ve got all the paperwork, you’ll be notified when you can attend an orientation session. When all entrance requirements are met, you will then be admitted to the program or placed on a waitlist. English as a Second Language applicants will be assessed on an individual basis by the ESL department.
When should I apply?
Applications are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year. Qualified applicants are considered for the next intake in which there is space.
How much will it cost?
You should budget about $142.73 a week for program fees, which includes tuition fees plus 10 per cent of the tuition for ancillary fees. We require a deposit (currently $200) to be paid when you register, which typically takes place one or two months before the start of each semester. In addition, each semester you will be required to pay a $36.50 Student Union Society membership fee, a $35 SUS Capital fee, a $3.36 Cascade student newspaper fee, a $7.85 radio station fee and a $41.40 U-Pass fee. A Health and Dental fee ($195.59 for 2021/2022) is charged annually each fall semester to students to provide extended medical and dental insurance. You can check with the Student Union Society or at www.IHaveAPlan.ca for details.
Textbooks, drawing kits, binders, calculators, rain gear, and other incidental supplies will cost you an additional $1,700. The balance of your fees must be paid by the end of the second week of the semester.
You can check with the Student Union Society or at www.ufvsus.ca for details. It’s worth a visit to UFV’s financial aid and awards office, which facilitates the disbursement each year of about $12 million annually in federal and provincial student loans, grants, bursaries, scholarships, and awards to UFV students. A helpful budget planning worksheet is available online at www.ufv.ca/fineaid/budget.htm.
Anything else I need to know?
This is an intense program and we have high workload and classroom expectations. You are required to attend all classes — five hours a day, five days a week. In addition, you will be responsible for the completion of at least 15 hours of assigned homework each week. The Architectural Drafting program starts in September, ends in June and is located in the UFV Trades and Technology Centre at the Canada Education Park in Chilliwack. While enrolled in the program, you are expected to attend continually through both semesters to successfully complete all requirements of the program. If you fail to meet the attendance requirements, you might be subject to a failing grade or academic warning. It is important to know that you will be expected to complete all requirements with a minimum of a passing grade in order to graduate.
Is there an upgrading option?
Yes. UFV Trades programs do include an upgrading option. You should be aware, however, than if you’re interested in upgrading, you can be enrolled for no more than 13 weeks and upgrading students cannot displace anyone registered for the next intake. The upgrading program allows those currently or recently employed in the industry to complete their certificate requirements or to become proficient in specific processes or techniques. All of our upgrading students are expected to meet program prerequisites through proof of previous industry experience approved by the program instructor.
Can I speak with someone about my options?
We want to hear from you! If you’re unsure of your direction, contact Student Services at 1-888-504-7441 to arrange a tour, attend a Becoming a Student info session, connect with an educational advisor, or arrange for career counselling. You can also contact the Trades and Technology Centre directly at 604-847-5448 or email trades@ufv.ca to get more details.