Road Building and Heavy Construction Foundation Course
What is it?
The Road Building and Heavy Construction (RBHC) Foundation Course is the entry route into the road building and heavy construction industry. It’s the starting point and prerequisite course to move into the other apprentice courses which will lead to a rewarding career in the industry.
In four short weeks, RBHC Foundation Program participants receive an industry orientation, overview of career opportunities, overview of safety practices, orientation to job site operations, introduction to equipment operation and maintenance, as well as a fundamental introduction to civil engineering. Students that successfully complete the program receive certificates for first aid, traffic control, and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) as well as an Industry Training Authority (ITA) Certificate of Completion.
Why would I want to take this course?
Besides being one of the easiest ways to enter the road building and heavy construction industry, there are many other reasons for taking this course. For example, by passing the program you have provided a declaration that you have the specific industry skills and knowledge base needed as well as a genuine interest in working in road building and heavy construction.
Second, this course is recognized by employers as it is endorsed by the ITA; the ITA also subsidizes a lot of the costs associated with the course. In addition, this course supports you in attaining many of the much sought after certificates for the industry.
Finally, this course gives you assistance in accessing employers from within the industry and provides great networking opportunities.
How is the course structured?
The RBHC Foundation course is the first and prerequisite course for a series of courses that lead to careers in the industry. The four week program covers four modules.
- Module A – Industry Orientation (focuses on safety)
- Module B – Tools, Equipment, Operations, and Maintenance
- Module C – Civil Engineering Principles
- Module D – Worksite Preparation
At the end of the month, there is an ITA examination which must be passed with a score of 70%.
Are there pre-requisites for the RBHC Foundation course?
All entering the course will need to write an assesment test that measures a person's ability in reading, writing, and numerical skills as they pertain to the worksite. Students will have to achieve specified levels on the tests, which will typically be taken at the school offering the course. Note: there may be a nominal fee.
Please contact the BC Road Builders for more information.
Company standards to work in this industry also include:
- Genuine desire to work in the industry
- Love to work outdoors
- Physically fit
- Driver’s license
Who are the training providers?
The training providers of the RBHC Foundation Course are both public and private training schools that have been ITA and Private Career Training Institutions Agency (PCTIA) approved. The course will be available throughout the province, and the BC Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association will monitor its delivery.
Check out the Registration Information page for further details on schools, course dates, and fees.
Where do I go once I have completed the RBHC Foundation course?
Once you have completed the RBHC Foundation course, the expectation is that you find employment in industry before you decide on which career path (apprenticeship route) that you will move into.
In 2007, there will be three apprentice programs for the following career paths: Heavy Equipment Operator, Asphalt Paving/Laydown Technician, and Heavy Construction Specialist. We hope to also develop a Supervisor Training Program specific to our industry in 2007.
Interested? Need More Information?
Please email customerservice@itabc.ca.