In order to apply to the Accelerated Building Environmental Systems (BES™) Operator Class II Bridging program, you must:

• have relevant postsecondary education obtained outside of Canada
• have Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Assessment Level 7
• be a permanent Resident, Canadian Citizen, Convention Refugee or resident of Ontario
• be presently unemployed or underemployed

This program is right for you, if you have:

• a mechanical and technical aptitude
• related background education and experience (mechanical or electrical engineering, HVAC, trades, facilities management, construction are common)
• problem solving and troubleshooting ability
• strong customer service skills
• an interest in sustainability and energy efficiency

Note: International students, temporary foreign workers, refugee claimants and individuals lacking postsecondary credentials are not eligible for consideration.

Our fast-tracked curriculum includes the following courses:

Building Systems - A Practical Overview
This course provides an introduction to, and an overview of building systems, enabling students to relate to the operation of a building in a safe, energy efficient and environmentally conscious manner.

Heating
The Heating course of the Building Environmental Systems program is designed to prepare students to operate heating systems in buildings in a safe, energy efficient, and environmentally conscious manner.

Air Conditioning
The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration course is designed to prepare students to operate air-conditioning and refrigeration systems in buildings in a safe, energy efficient, economical and environmentally conscious manner.

Air Handling
The Air Handling course (incorporating waste management) is designed to prepare students to operate air handling systems in a safe, energy efficient, and environmentally conscious manner as well as to manage waste in a safe, efficient, cost effective and environmentally friendly manner.

Electrical
This course covers the design, operation and maintenance of electrical systems in buildings. Topics include the application of Ohm's Law, the components of electrical distribution systems in buildings, their operation and their maintenance. Students also learn how to calculate utility charges and to reduce electrical loads. Safety and energy efficiency are emphasized in this subject.

Controls
This course covers the key concepts of commercial building pneumatic HVAC controls.

Water Treatment
This course covers the key concepts of the field of water treatment as applied to the protection and operation of building systems to provide the best use of energy for conservation and safety practices.

Advanced Career Management for Building Operators
This course is designed to introduce self-marketing techniques to international professionals seeking employment. Students will prepare a career development campaign including sample resumes and cover letter and will also engage in practice interviews and follow-up techniques. The focus is industry-specific to their fields with emphasis on integrating Canadian industry knowledge with international experience and skills.

Communication Skills for the Canadian Workplace
This course is designed for internationally trained professionals who wish to improve their oral and written communication skills in the Canadian workplace as Building Operators. Students learn how to manipulate language and functional skills to communicate effectively. Students practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing in a variety of common formal and informal workplace situations. Emphasis is placed on language development, Canadian workplace etiquette, and cultural influences in professional communication.

Occupational Health & Safety for Building Operators
This course introduces the student to health and safety law in Ontario and their rights and responsibilities as a worker in the province. One of the main emphasis in health and safety is prevention, and workers should be aware of the legislation that is designed to protect them and ensure that workplaces are a healthy and safe environment for everyone. In order to protect oneself and those around them, workers should be knowledgeable about the different types of potential hazards that exist in the workplace and have a general understanding of the types of controls that can be put in place to eliminate and/or reduce hazards to a safe level.

Building Environmental Systems Practicum & Lab
This course provides hands-on exposure to equipment and systems used in the field of Building Operations. Students will be prepared to use diagnostic and troubleshooting skills in the work environment. Tours of Seneca Polytechnic building systems and facilities will be included so that participants better understand the breadth of the field of Building Environmental Systems.

Note: These courses are exclusive only to the Accelerated Building Environmental Systems (BES™) Operator Class II Bridging Program and are designed with substantial input from industry experts and employers to increase the employability and marketability of our graduates. Program details are subject to change without prior notice.

To apply for Seneca's Bridging programs, you will be required to complete and email the following documents to bridging@senecapolytechnic.ca:

1. Application Form:
Complete the BES program application form.

2. Letter of Interest:
Your letter of interest should state why you think you are a good candidate for the BES™ Bridging program, how the program is relevant to your career goals and background.

3. Resume:
Your resume must be detailed and updated and in a chronological format, beginning with your current or most recent employment. Please be sure to include the following:

• Your employment history, whether relevant or not, from outside Canada and since coming to Canada
• All academic qualifications (names of degrees, certificates, diplomas, etc.), including any education obtained in Canada, with dates
• Professional memberships, licenses, designations, certifications, etc.
• Any professional training or skills upgrading that you have participated in since arriving in Canada.

4. CLB Assessment:
You will need to provide proof of completion of a Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment at a minimum Level 7. CLB Assessments should be obtained within the last 12 months from the date of application to be valid.

CLB Assessments are free for Permanent Residents, Convention Refugees and Canadian Citizens. For more information and to book an appointment, please contact the YMCA at 416.928.9622 or visit the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks for a list of Assessment Centres in Ontario.

5. Immigration Status:
You will be required to submit a proof of immigration status and proof that you are a resident of Ontario.

6. Copies of Academic Qualifications:
A photocopy your academic credentials including any diplomas, degrees and/or certificates.

Note: Please be advised that submission of the required documents does not guarantee your admission to the program. There is a competitive process to gain acceptance and candidates will be invited meet with program staff to assess if they are a right fit for the program.

The tuition for the Accelerated Building Environmental Systems (BES™) Operator Class II Bridging program is $2,149 plus approximately $450 for books.

You may be eligible for the Ontario Bridging Participant Assistance Program (OBPAP) Bursary through the provincial government to cover up to 100% of tuition and book costs (as this program is not OSAP eligible).

Low interest microloans for immigrants to obtain the credentials needed to work in Canada are also available:

• ACCESS Community Capital Fund
• ACHEV Accelerated Career Advancement Program
• Windmill Microlending
• WIL Employment Connections, Internationally Trained Worker Loan Program

To learn more, please join one of our free information sessions.

Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive the BES™ Operator Class II Certificate, recognized by the Toronto Building Managers and Operators Association (TBMOA) and Hotel Engineering/Facility Managers Association of Toronto (HEAT). 

Over 80% of our graduates find employment in Building Operations, property and facilities management within three months of completing the program.

Build on your certification

With only two additional courses, you are able to upgrade to the BES™ Operator Class I, the most widely recognized Building Operator Certification available.

You may also obtain professional designation as a Systems Maintenance Technician (SMT®) with the Building Owners and Managers Institute (BOMI) and apply for registry on the Interprovincial Facility Training Accreditation Council (IFTAC) and Energy Training Ontario Certificates.