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Source: College La Cité

Since 2018, French-language college La Cité has adopted a competency-based approach to learning, rather than a traditional content-based learning.

That means La Cité focuses on more actively engaging students in their own learning, rather than delivering lectures. It means striving for inverted classrooms where students learn, and teachers coach. In this environment, faculty prepare learning activities where students participate and learn while ‘doing’, rather than just lecturing.

Learning Construction by Building Homes

Within this model, College La Cité’s Construction Technician 2-year Diploma Program – which can be delivered in just 11 months – stands out. In this program, students acquire knowledge and hands-on skills while building an entire 1,100-square-foot house from the ground up.

Starting with foundational blueprints and concrete work, they learn to prepare and pour concrete to ensure the structure’s stability. The next step, framing, immerses them in wall and structural assembly, helping them master alignment, cutting, and assembling construction materials.

Engaging in Every Step of the Construction Process

As they progress, students install exterior cladding, apply thermal insulation, and assemble the roofing, all essential for the home’s durability and energy efficiency. Moving indoors, they install the electrical systems, ensuring compliance with critical safety standards.

Finally, students complete the interior finishes – such as drywall installation – to bring the project to completion and ready for transport. Yes, they transport these homes to the property of the new owner; in fact, College La Cité sells the houses for only the cost of the materials – in turn, helping families secure affordable housing.

Through this active learning process, students gain hands-on experience with every phase of residential construction, developing the valuable skills they’ll need for the workforce. Students get to interact with the customers and are motivated and engaged to build quality homes during their post-secondary programs.

Looking ahead, La Cité plans on increasing the number of homes being built per year. The college has also added garage construction to its curriculum and is exploring the feasibility of building tiny homes.