York University has launched a new post-graduate certificate in digital construction management.

Delivered through the School of Continuing Studies, the program is designed to equip students with the skills and expertise to thrive in a rapidly transforming construction industry.

The full-time program is set to begin in September 2025.

"Canada and Ontario's population continue to grow at a significant rate; this puts demand on the construction industry to keep pace with new housing, social infrastructure and transit, all supported by increased need for talented Construction Management Professionals to support this growth," said Marlon Bray, executive vice president of Clark Construction Management and program advisory committee member.

"The curriculum for this new program is designed to help students develop the necessary knowledge and skills to enter a constantly evolving construction management field which is enabled and powered by technology, data and software in an ever increasingly connected market." 

With technology reshaping the landscape of industrial, commercial, and institutional and high-rise residential construction, the demand for skilled construction professionals who can seamlessly integrate emerging technologies with project management expertise is skyrocketing.

The School of Continuing Studies' new program will prepare graduates to meet this demand, arming them with practical experience in software automation, AI tools, and 3D modeling, while teaching them to optimize productivity, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness across every stage of the construction lifecycle from planning to occupancy.

"When we consulted with industry leaders, they all agreed - having a solid grasp of emerging technologies isn't optional anymore; it's essential," said Christine Brooks-Cappadocia, assistant vice-president of continuing studies at York University.

"The construction sector is moving at a rapid pace, but there is a severe shortage of talent ready to step into these tech-enabled roles. Employers face costly training periods of six to 12 months for new hires. That's why this program is a game-changer. By focusing on hands-on, project-based learning, our graduates will hit the ground running, ready to make an impact from day one."

As developers and general contractors increasingly adopt digital construction technologies, they are seeking professionals who can integrate these tools into real-world projects. The program is tailor-made for those aspiring to roles such as construction manager, project coordinator or estimator – positions that boast competitive salaries averaging $90,000 to $110,000 per year in the Greater Toronto Area.

The certificate combines technical construction knowledge with emerging digital tools, including construction methods and blueprints, 3D modeling & BIM, AI-powered workflow automation, and cost estimation and scheduling software.

Students will also be able to participate in a construction practicum, where they will work on industry-inspired projects under the guidance of instructors who work full time in the construction field.