Overview
About the program
The Applied Additive Manufacturing Microcredential provides hands-on training in additive manufacturing (3D printing), design for additive manufacturing (DfAM), reverse engineering, and rapid prototyping. This industry-focused program prepares learners with practical skills needed for modern digital and advanced manufacturing careers.
Students begin with Introduction to Additive Manufacturing, where they learn core 3D printing technologies, materials, and processes, as well as real-world applications across industries such as aerospace, healthcare, and product development. This foundation enables learners to understand when and how to apply additive manufacturing effectively.
In Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM), learners develop advanced skills to design and optimize parts specifically for additive manufacturing. Using industry-standard CAD and simulation tools, students apply concepts such as topology optimization, lightweight structures, and part consolidation to create high-performance, production-ready components.
The Reverse Engineering component focuses on capturing and recreating existing parts using 3D scanning and CAD modelling. Students also learn Rapid Prototyping, enabling them to redesign, test, and manufacture functional components quickly and efficiently. These skills support product innovation, design improvement, and faster development cycles.
Through hands-on projects and real-world applications, learners build a strong portfolio demonstrating their ability to design, prototype, and optimize components using additive manufacturing workflows.
This microcredential supports both students and industry by addressing the growing demand for additive manufacturing, DfAM, reverse engineering, and rapid prototyping skills. Graduates are prepared for roles in 3D printing, product design, and advanced manufacturing, with job-ready expertise they can apply immediately in the workplace.
Who it’s for
This additive manufacturing microcredential is designed for individuals looking to develop in-demand skills in 3D printing, design for additive manufacturing (DfAM), reverse engineering, and rapid prototyping.
It is ideal for mechanical engineering students and graduates, as well as those in related disciplines such as chemical engineering, aerospace engineering, maintenance engineering, mechatronics, robotics, biotechnology, biomechanics, and product design. This program also supports working professionals, including engineers, technologists, designers, and technicians, who want to upskill in additive manufacturing and advanced manufacturing technologies.
While the program is primarily designed for engineers, the Introduction to Additive Manufacturing course is also a strong entry point for interior designers and other creative professionals interested in 3D printing and digital fabrication. Learners should have a basic understanding of engineering principles and experience with 3D CAD software (such as SolidWorks, Inventor, or Fusion 360) to fully benefit from this hands-on additive manufacturing training.
This microcredential is well-suited for individuals seeking to transition into advanced manufacturing, improve their job readiness, or stay current with emerging technologies in 3D printing, rapid prototyping, and digital product development.
What grads can do
Graduates of this additive manufacturing microcredential will develop job-ready skills for careers in additive manufacturing, 3D printing, design for additive manufacturing (DfAM), reverse engineering, and rapid prototyping. They will be able to design, optimize, and manufacture components using CAD and additive manufacturing workflows, create functional prototypes using 3D printing technologies, and apply DfAM principles to improve performance, reduce weight, and enhance manufacturability. Graduates will also use reverse engineering and 3D scanning to recreate and improve existing parts.
These skills prepare graduates for careers in additive manufacturing and 3D printing, including roles such as additive manufacturing engineer, mechanical design engineer, manufacturing engineer, product development engineer, and rapid prototyping engineer. Graduates may also pursue roles such as additive manufacturing technician, 3D printing specialist, CAD designer, or prototyping technologist, supporting product design, prototyping, and production.
With expertise in reverse engineering and rapid prototyping, graduates can help companies accelerate product development, reduce lead times, and improve existing designs. These skills are in demand across industries, including aerospace, healthcare, automotive, and advanced manufacturing.
This microcredential prepares graduates for careers in advanced manufacturing and digital manufacturing, enabling them to contribute across the full product development lifecycle, from design and prototyping to production.
Entrance Requirements
Application processing
Ongoing throughout the year.
Recommended for success
To be successful in this program, learners should have:
- A basic understanding of engineering fundamentals, including materials, manufacturing processes, and mechanical design.
- Prior experience with 3D CAD modelling software such as SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, or Fusion 360, as students will create and prepare models for 3D printing and additive manufacturing workflows.
While previous exposure to additive manufacturing, 3D printing, or reverse engineering is helpful, it is not required. This program is designed to support both beginners and professionals looking to build skills in design for additive manufacturing (DfAM), rapid prototyping, and digital manufacturing. A willingness to participate in hands-on, project-based learning will help learners gain practical, job-ready skills in this fast-growing field.
International applicants
This program is not available to international students. View available programs.
Apply to program
Formal application to the microcredential is not required. Upon successful completion of the courses, email the program contact with your full name, student number, and mailing address to be issued a microcredential.
Scheduled Intakes
Ongoing Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) intakes: January, April, and September.
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) tuition is charged on a course-by-course basis. Please see the Flexible Learning Tuition & Fees page for more information.
Courses
Class hours
Weekends from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Evenings between 6:00/6:45 to 9:00/9:45 pm.
Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
| Required courses | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| AMFG 4100 | Introduction to Additive Manufacturing (ItAM) | 3.0 | |
| AMFG 4200 | Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) | 3.0 | |
| AMFG 4300 | Reverse Engineering (RE) | 3.0 | |
| Total Credits: | 9.0 | ||
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
Program length
The courses can be completed in one or two years.
Grading
Achievement of the competencies in this microcredential will be assessed through a competency-based, project-driven approach that validates both theoretical understanding and hands-on skill application. The passing grade for each course is 70%.
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Graduating & Jobs
Job opportunities
Graduates of the Applied Additive Manufacturing Microcredential are prepared for careers in additive manufacturing, 3D printing, design for additive manufacturing (DfAM), reverse engineering, and rapid prototyping. These in-demand skills support careers across engineering, design, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.
Graduates can pursue a wide range of careers in additive manufacturing and 3D printing across technical, creative, and applied roles.
- Design, creative, and non-engineering careers:
- Interior Designer (custom furniture, fixtures, 3D-printed elements)
- Industrial Designer (product design, additive manufacturing applications)
- Product Designer (consumer products, digital fabrication)
- 3D Visualization Designer (3D modelling, concept design)
- 3D Artist (3D printing models)
- Digital Fabrication Designer
- Toys
- Entertainment and media
- Digital modelling for 3D printing
These careers use 3D printing and additive manufacturing for custom design, prototyping, and visualization in industries such as interior design, architecture, and product development.
- Healthcare and medical 3D printing careers:
- Dental Lab Technician (3D-printed dental models and prosthetics)
- Orthodontic Lab Assistant (aligners, dental scanning workflows)
- Medical Device Technician (custom medical components, prototyping)
- Biomedical Modeling Specialist (anatomical 3D models, simulation)
Healthcare organizations increasingly use additive manufacturing and 3D printing for customized medical devices, prosthetics, and patient-specific models.
- Technical and production careers in additive manufacturing:
- Additive Manufacturing Technician (3D printer operation, production)
- 3D Printing Specialist (materials, print setup, troubleshooting)
- Manufacturing Technician (advanced and digital manufacturing)
- Advanced Fabrication Technician (3D printing, CNC, hybrid manufacturing)
- Prototyping Technologist (rapid prototyping, product testing)
These roles focus on 3D printing production, additive manufacturing workflows, and rapid prototyping, supporting product development and manufacturing operations.
- Innovation and product development careers:
- Rapid Prototyping Specialist (prototype development, testing, iteration)
- R&D Technologist (research, additive manufacturing innovation)
- Product Development Specialist (design to production workflows)
- Digital Manufacturing Specialist (process optimization, automation)
These careers use rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing to accelerate product development, reduce costs, and improve design performance.
Graduates can find opportunities in industries such as:
- Interior design and architecture (custom 3D-printed components)
- Consumer products and product design
- Healthcare, dental labs, and medical devices
- Film, gaming, and animation (3D modelling and props)
- Construction and digital fabrication
- Aerospace, automotive, and advanced manufacturing
Additive manufacturing and 3D printing technologies are used to create everything from prototypes and tooling to final products, making these skills highly transferable across industries.
Career impact
This microcredential prepares graduates for careers in additive manufacturing, 3D printing, and rapid prototyping across both technical and creative fields. Graduates will be able to apply DfAM, reverse engineering, and digital manufacturing workflows to design, prototype, and produce innovative solutions in real-world environments.
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Faculty
Ali Mohammad Vali
Instructor
Tel: 604-432-8971
Email: ali_vali@bcit.ca
Staff
Jeanie Chan, P.Eng, MASc, BEMP
Associate Dean
Tel: 604-432-8280
Email: Jeanie_Chan@bcit.ca
Mudiwa Bwakura
Program Assistant
Tel: 604-456-8027
Email: soepts@bcit.ca
Contact Us
Mudiwa Bwakura
Program Assistant
Tel: 604-456-8027
Email: soepts@bcit.ca
Questions or comments?
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