Active Curriculum

Construction & Clean
Energy

Train workers for Canada's green construction and solar future.

Learner
Syllabus Overview

Structured learning journey.

1
43 Mins

Construction Industry Overview

Module 1: Construction Industry Overview introduces the structure of the Canadian construction industry, including residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. It also covers career pathways, NOC codes, and the differences between union and non-union work, providing a foundation for future construction and trade training.

Key Terminology

1Construction Industry: The sector responsible for building and maintaining residential, commercial, and industrial structures and infrastructure.
2Infrastructure: The fundamental systems and structures such as roads, bridges, and utilities that support society and the economy.
3Construction Sectors: The main divisions of construction work, including residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
4Residential Construction: Construction focused on housing such as houses, apartments, condos, and townhouses.
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2
42 Mins

Health & Safety on Job Sites

Module 2: Health & Safety on Job Sites introduces essential construction safety practices, including OHSA regulations, WHMIS, PPE usage, hazard communication, and fall protection. It prepares learners to recognize workplace hazards and maintain safe job site procedures.

Key Terminology

1Workplace Safety: Practices and procedures used to prevent injuries, accidents, and hazards on job sites.
2Job Site Hazards: Dangerous conditions or materials that may cause injury or harm on a construction site.
3OHSA (Occupational Health and Safety Act): Provincial legislation that sets legal requirements for workplace health and safety.
4Employer Responsibilities: Legal duties of employers to provide safe working conditions, training, and protective equipment.
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3
44 Mins

Construction Tools & Equipment

Module 3: Construction Tools & Equipment covers the identification, safe use, and maintenance of hand tools, power tools, and heavy equipment. It also introduces proper storage practices and safety procedures essential for working on construction sites.

Key Terminology

1Construction Tools: Equipment used to perform building, installation, and repair tasks on construction sites.
2Tool Categories: The main groups of tools used in construction, including hand tools, power tools, and heavy equipment.
3Hand Tools: Manually operated tools that do not require electricity or fuel to function.
4Hammer: A hand tool used for driving and removing nails or fitting parts together.
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4
45 Mins

Blueprint Reading Basics

Module 4: Blueprint Reading Basics covers how to read architectural drawings, understand dimensions and scales, interpret symbols and abbreviations, and use specifications and project documents in construction.

Key Terminology

1Blueprint Reading: The ability to interpret construction drawings and understand how a structure is built.
2Architectural Drawings: Technical drawings created by architects that show the design and layout of a building.
3Floor Plan: A top-down view of a building showing room layouts, walls, doors, and windows.
4Elevation Drawing: A side view of a building showing exterior appearance and height.
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5
45 Mins

Trade Math Fundamentals

Module 5: Trade Math Fundamentals covers measurement conversions, perimeter, area and volume calculations, material estimation, and basic cost budgeting used in construction projects.

Key Terminology

1Trade Math: Practical mathematical skills used in construction for measurements, calculations, estimating, and budgeting.
2Measurement Systems: Standard systems used for measurement, including metric and imperial units.
3Metric System: A measurement system using units such as millimeters, centimeters, meters, and kilograms.
4Imperial System: A measurement system using units such as inches, feet, yards, and pounds.
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6
42 Mins

Building Materials & Methods

Module 6: Building Materials & Methods covers the key materials used in construction, including concrete, wood, steel, and masonry, as well as basic building techniques such as framing, roofing, insulation, and weatherproofing.

Key Terminology

1Building Materials: Substances used to construct buildings, including concrete, wood, steel, and masonry.
2Concrete: A strong construction material made from cement, water, sand, and aggregate used for foundations and structural work.
3Curing: The process of allowing concrete to harden and reach full strength over time.
4Wood Framing: A common construction method using timber to build structural frameworks in buildings.
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7
43 Mins

Solar Panel Installation Fundamentals

Module 7: Solar Panel Installation Fundamentals covers the basic components of photovoltaic systems, site assessment and shading, roof mounting methods, and electrical connections including inverters used to convert solar energy into usable electricity.

Key Terminology

1Photovoltaic (PV) System: A system that converts sunlight directly into electrical energy using solar panels.
2Solar Panels: Devices made of solar cells that capture sunlight and generate electricity.
3Solar Cells: Semiconductor units (usually silicon) that convert sunlight into electrical energy.
4Direct Current (DC): Type of electricity produced by solar panels where current flows in one direction.
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8
45 Mins

Solar System Design & Sizing

Module 8: Solar System Design & Sizing covers energy consumption calculations, residential and commercial solar system sizing, battery storage integration, and the differences between grid-tied and off-grid solar systems.

Key Terminology

1Energy Consumption: The amount of electricity used by a home, building, or system over time.
2Kilowatt-Hour (kWh): A standard unit used to measure electrical energy consumption.
3Energy Consumption Analysis: The process of calculating and reviewing electricity usage patterns.
4Peak Demand: The period when electricity usage reaches its highest level.
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9
44 Mins

Solar Safety & Electrical Code

Module 9: Solar Safety & Electrical Code covers Canadian Electrical Code requirements, safe work practices for live electrical systems, arc flash and shock prevention, and grounding and bonding methods used in solar energy systems.

Key Terminology

1Canadian Electrical Code (CEC): The national standard in Canada that sets rules for safe electrical design, installation, and maintenance.
2Electrical Permit: Official authorization required before performing regulated electrical installation work.
3Live Electrical System: An electrical system that is energized and capable of producing voltage or current.
4Lockout Procedure: A safety process used to ensure electrical systems are de-energized and cannot be accidentally turned on during maintenance.
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10
43 Mins

Smart Building Technology

Module 10 covers smart building systems including IoT automation, HVAC controls, smart lighting, energy management, and Building Management Systems (BMS) used to improve efficiency and building performance.

Key Terminology

1Smart Building: A building that uses automated systems and connected technology to improve efficiency, comfort, and energy use.
2Internet of Things (IoT): A network of connected devices and sensors that collect and share building data in real time.
3IoT Sensors: Devices that measure conditions such as temperature, motion, humidity, and air quality.
4Building Automation: The use of technology to automatically control building systems like lighting and HVAC.
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11
42 Mins

Construction Technology & Drones

Module 11 covers construction technology including drones for surveying, BIM for digital modeling, construction management software, and 3D printing used to improve efficiency and project coordination.

Key Terminology

1Construction Technology: Digital tools and systems used to improve efficiency, accuracy, and safety in construction projects.
2Digital Construction: The use of software and technology to plan, design, and manage construction work.
3Drone Surveying: The use of drones to capture aerial images and measurements of construction sites.
4UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle): A drone used for surveying, inspection, and data collection.
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12
42 Mins

Energy Efficiency & Retrofits

Module 12 covers energy-efficient retrofit methods including home energy audits, insulation and air sealing, window and door upgrades, and HVAC efficiency improvements used to reduce energy waste and improve building performance.

Key Terminology

1Energy Efficiency: Reducing energy use while maintaining comfort and performance in a building.
2Retrofit: An upgrade made to an existing building to improve energy performance or functionality.
3Home Energy Audit: An inspection used to identify where a building loses energy and how efficiency can be improved.
4Blower Door Test: A test that measures air leakage in a building using pressure differences.
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13
45 Mins

Green Building Standards

Module 13 covers key green building practices including LEED certification, net-zero construction, passive house design, and sustainable material selection. It focuses on how these standards improve energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and support more sustainable building practices in modern construction.

Key Terminology

1Green Building Standards: Guidelines that promote environmentally responsible and resource-efficient building design and construction.
2LEED Certification: A global rating system that evaluates buildings based on sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental impact.
3Sustainable Design: Designing buildings to reduce environmental impact while improving efficiency and comfort.
4Energy Efficiency: Using less energy to achieve the same level of performance in a building.
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14
43 Mins

Workplace Communication & Teamwork

Module 14 introduces the fundamentals of workplace communication and teamwork in skilled trades and job site environments. Learners will develop practical communication skills, understand work instructions and work orders, report progress professionally, and collaborate effectively within diverse teams.

Key Terminology

1Workplace Communication: The exchange of information between workers, supervisors, and teams on a job site.
2Verbal Communication: Sharing information through speaking and conversation.
3Written Communication: Communication through documents, emails, reports, and written instructions.
4Digital Communication: Using electronic tools such as apps, software, and messaging systems to share information.
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15
45 Mins

Certification & Career Advancement

Module 15 introduces learners to certification pathways and career advancement opportunities within the skilled trades and renewable energy sectors. Students will explore industry certifications, apprenticeship options, Red Seal pathways, and professional resume and portfolio development.

Key Terminology

1Certification: Formal recognition that a worker has met required skills and training standards in a specific field.
2Solar PV Installer Certification: Qualification demonstrating the ability to install and maintain solar photovoltaic systems safely and correctly.
3Photovoltaic (PV) System: A system that converts sunlight into electrical energy using solar panels.
4Red Seal Certification: A nationally recognized Canadian trade credential allowing certified workers to work across provinces.
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Professional Certification

Complete 15 modules to unlock your verified certificate.