About the program

This dynamic two-year graduate certificate is designed to give you specialized and thorough training in the detailing, supply, fabrication and installation of steel structures including the management and coordination of projects. The training is directly related to industry standards and working practices within North America utilizing the latest Handbook of Steel Construction which will enable you to develop detailed drawings along with analytical and communication skills for the structural steel industry. You will learn proficiencies in CAD, 3D modeling, building information modelling (BIM), building code requirements, specifications and estimating to assist you with challenging projects. Our faculty are highly qualified specialists with current and relevant field experience. The optional co-op stream includes one co-op work term.

This program is available to be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. Admission is available in January only. Bridging opportunities are available for graduates from other related programs at Conestoga and for professionals working in the industry. For more information, please contact the Program Coordinator at ssmd@conestogac.on.ca.

Program information

All courses should be successfully completed within 5 years of acceptance into the program.

Admission requirements

  • Diploma, advanced diploma or degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, technology, or architecture OR
  • A 3 or 4 year degree in another discipline with one or more courses in mathematics

Note re: admission requirements

  • Domestic applicants with documents (transcripts) from an educational institution from a country other than Canada must have their documents evaluated for equivalency at an approved provider of credential evaluation services.

  • Applicants with transcripts from institutions where the language of instruction is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency with a minimum test score on one of the following language proficiency tests or equivalent scores from another internationally recognized English language test:

    • IELTS overall band of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0

    • TOEFL iBT 88

    • CAEL 70, no sub-test band score less than 60

    • PTE Academic 58

  • We offer a language program for students whose English language skills are below the standard required for admission but all other admission criteria have been met. You will be eligible for admission to the graduate program after completion of level 4 of the General Arts and Science - English Language Studies (ELS) program with an overall grade average of 80% and no grade less than 75%. Your placement in the ELS program is determined by scores on an in-house English language test or TOEFL or IELTS
  • Domestic applicants with documents (transcripts) from an educational institution from a country other than Canada must have their documents evaluated for equivalency at an approved provider of credential evaluation services.

  • Applicants with transcripts from institutions where the language of instruction is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency with a minimum test score on one of the following language proficiency tests or equivalent scores from another internationally recognized English language test:

    • IELTS overall band of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0

    • TOEFL iBT 88

    • CAEL 70, no sub-test band score less than 60

    • PTE Academic 58

    • CELAP (Conestoga English Language Assessment and Placement), 82 or higher

  • We offer a language program for students whose English language skills are below the standard required for admission but all other admission criteria have been met. You will be eligible for admission to the graduate program after completion of level 4 of the General Arts and Science - English Language Studies (ELS) program with an overall grade average of 80% and no grade less than 75%. Your placement in the ELS program is determined by scores on an in-house English language test or TOEFL or IELTS

Admission procedures

  • Apply at Ontario Colleges - www.ontariocolleges.ca
  • Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.

Graduate opportunities

Upon graduation, students may find jobs in the structural steel and steel fabrication industries as steel detailers, coordinators and project managers. Graduates of the program will be well sought after by the Steel Plus Network Inc., a North American network of steel fabricators.

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Program outcomes

  • Manage structural steel fabrication projects through drafting, procurement, and shipping using business and industry best practices
  • Participate effectively in a cross-functional team environment using leadership skills and professionalism to achieve project goals
  • Communicate technical information using written, oral, and graphical strategies with internal and external stakeholders
  • Interpret the intent of contracts and design documentation to ensure accurate details and identify missing information to clarify project scope and technical requirements
  • Use appropriate 3D modelling software and applications to prepare shop drawings of steel members, connections and erection drawings for action by the tradesperson building the structure
  • Examine the relationship between structural steel and other construction components such as reinforced concrete and wall systems to design projects that meet industry expectations
  • Apply relevant codes, rules and industry standard practices to structural steel shop drawings
  • Apply the principles of statics and strength of materials to identify loading paths and verify loading conditions for structural members and connections

Program related resources

Interested in taking this program full time?

See our Structural Steel Management and Detailing full-time program for more information.


Continuing Education
Upcoming registrations

Mark your calendar with our registration dates, so you can plan your future.

Winter registration: Now open
Spring registration: Opens March 2, 2026