Skilled Trades Are the Future: Here’s How We’re Leading the Way

The Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE) building is one of the most innovative and jaw-dropping displays on campus. Fit with multiple study pods, transit access, and tons of natural light. But there’s more to it than that!

Here are a bunch of other reasons we love this place:

What is the ACCE?

Good question. The Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence is the cornerstone for the next generation of carpenters, plumbers, civil engineering technologists, interior designers, and many other trades and professions. This is where the pros learn the ropes and lay the foundation (pun intended) for a long and prosperous career in the trades.

This space is a hub of the best construction, architecture and engineering instructors and labs in Ontario, providing students with the education and hands-on skills they’ll need to succeed. From field placements and research projects to applied learning experiences and collaborations with industry partners, students are given every opportunity to kick-start their careers into overdrive.

What makes it so great?

ACCE is a zone for industry, faculty and students to work together to implement sustainable building practices and technologies. This building helps students learn about the industry and find the right program for them. It’s also one of the coolest buildings we’ve ever seen.

Everything is in one place

All construction-related programming is under one roof which enables students and faculty to work in an interdisciplinary way. Here, students can enrol in apprenticeship programs, and earn certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas and degrees all while working with the Ottawa Construction Association and the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association.

With such an expansive collection of academic programming to choose from, it’s easy to see why it’s the centre of excellence. Some of the programs taught here include:

• Architectural Engineering Technician
• Powerline Technician
• Electrical Engineering Technician
• Welding and Fabrication Techniques
• Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician

Community project

Speaking of hands-on learning, students regularly contribute to the community through project work. From building a house in only three days with Habitat for Humanity to crafting the largest pepper mill in the world as documented by the Guinness Book of World Records, students regularly take part in applied research and learn while doing.

Sustainability

While the trades are a lucrative field, the ACCE was built with a different kind of green in mind. The College has implemented features like a stormwater recovery system that captures rainwater to flush toilets, solar panels, and a five-storey plant wall that helps control humidity and cleans the air.

On top of that (literally), the ACCE is capped with an undulating green roof of sedum that offsets the sun’s heat which lowers the surrounding air temperature. The roof also absorbs and controls rainwater runoff, which creates less strain on the nearby City of Ottawa storm sewer and Pinecrest Creek.

Living Laboratory

The BioWall and green roof aren’t the only living things about this place. With exposed structural and construction elements, the entire building acts as a living lab, showing students all the best practices in action.

The “living laboratory” approach was adopted to complement student learning and applied research. Several building and environmental systems have been left exposed so students can literally see what makes this facility work. Students can examine the exposed diagonal bracing, intumescent fireproofing, cast-in-place concrete frames, pile cap and grade beam.

The place to be

The building might be super cool, but a successful career in the field you’re passionate about is infinitely cooler. The ACCE empowers students to build a solid foundation, teaches them to operate all the leading technologies and equipment, and enables them to connect with working professionals.

Explore the Construction and Skilled Trades programs at Algonquin College today.