Donald J. Smith School of Building Technology and Design

Build Your Future Through Hands‑On Learning

Start building your future with the Donald J. Smith School of Building Technology and Design. If you’re interested in construction, design, engineering, or hands-on problem solving, this is where you can turn that interest into a career. You’ll learn by doing — working with industry-experienced professors, using real tools and technology, and gaining the practical skills employers are looking for.

If you’re interested in the skilled trades, the school also supports apprenticeship training for careers like carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and more.

You can choose from programs across the building and construction industry, including Architectural Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Engineering Technician, Carpentry and Renovation programs, and Building Renovation Technology. These programs prepare you for careers in high-demand industries across Ontario, from building design and project coordination to skilled trades and construction management.

Whether you already know you want a career in the building industry or you’re still exploring your options, the Donald J. Smith School of Building Technology and Design gives you the hands-on experience, industry connections, and career-ready skills to help you get there.

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Real-World Experience Built In

High-Demand Career Outcomes

Flexible Pathways to Grow Your Career

Featured Programs

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Labs & Spaces

Applied Learning Environments

You’ll learn in modern labs, studios, and applied learning environments that reflect real job sites and workplaces.
Like our cutting-edge construction, plumbing and welding labs, which allow you to develop industry-ready skills in a simulated real-world environment.

Sandpits in Construction Lab ready for students.

Experiential Learning & Career Pathways

Work‑Integrated Learning

Gain real experience before you graduate through paid co‑op placements, apprenticeships, and hands‑on projects. Build confidence, strengthen job‑search skills, and make industry connections that often lead to full‑time employment.

Credential Pathways & Progression

Move your education forward with clear pathways from certificates to diplomas, advanced diplomas, and degree‑level studies. Transfer agreements and articulation options make it easy to upgrade your credentials as your career grows.

Career Demand & Employment Outlook

Skilled trades and construction professionals are in high demand across Ontario and Canada, with strong wages, stability, and thousands of open positions. Graduates enter the workforce job‑ready and well‑positioned for advancement.

Signature Learning Experience

Community Construction & Urban Planning Projects

From hands‑on construction builds to GIS and planning projects at the Urban360 Lab, students work directly with community partners to design solutions, support local initiatives, and apply classroom learning to real environments.

Women in Trades

Our Women in Carpentry initiative offers students a female-friendly, supportive environment to create a solid foundation for success in Fanshawe's Residential Construction and Renovation programs.

Learn More About Women in Carpentry

Don Crich Skilled Trades Accelerator

The Don Crich Skilled Trades Accelerator will be an entrance point for all members of the community to learn more about trades and share employment opportunities. The space will provide a central entry point for prospective students, current students and employers to find all the information they need to pursue opportunities in skilled trades.

Explore the Don Crich Accelerator

"By combining practice and theory, I am becoming prepared for my career awaiting at the finish line. At the heart of the degree are professors and industry professionals who take the time to ensure your success, and support your creative ventures. I am happy to say, this is my community."

- Andrew Zarkovich,

Honours Bachelor of Interior Design Graduate

Academic Resources For Current Students

Graphic Design Tools

Explore All Programs

Explore all programs in the Donald J. Smith School of Building Technology and Design and find the path that matches your interests in construction, design, engineering, and skilled trades.

Industry & Employer Partnerships

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Liam Krusky posing in front of a building

Hire a Student

Hire skilled, job‑ready Fanshawe students for co‑ops, internships, full-time and part‑time roles. Connect with emerging talent and build your workforce through hands‑on student recruitment and early career partnerships.

Learn About Hiring a Student

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Mentorship Opportunities

Support the next generation of professionals by mentoring a Fanshawe student. Share your industry experience, offer guidance, and help students build confidence as they prepare for their careers.

Explore Mentorship Opportunities

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Join a Program Advisory Committee

Join a Program Advisory Committee and help shape the future of education at Fanshawe. Share your industry expertise, guide curriculum development, and support student success by ensuring our programs stay aligned with real workforce needs.

Inquire About PACs