Mass Timber Training Hub

The Associate Certificate in the Construction of Mass Timber Structures is designed to provide students with (i) technical knowledge in mass timber construction and construction management of mass timber projects with an emphasis on the installation phase; (ii) practical skills in on-site installation of mass timber structures; and (iii) problem-solving, creativity and teamwork skills. This program has been developed for carpenters, ironworkers, building installers, foremen, etc. with an interest in expanding their expertise to mass timber.

Learn More – Associate Certificate in the Construction of Mass Timber Structures

The Introductory Studies in Mass Timber Construction Micro-credential is designed to provide students who have a background in construction with an introduction to the burgeoning more specialized field of mass timber construction. It will be of interest to carpenters, ironworkers, quantity surveyors, estimators, construction managers, 3-D modellers, developers, manufacturers, and designers – virtually anyone within the construction field with an interest in expanding their expertise to mass timber.

Learn More – Introductory Studies in Mass Timber Construction

We are launching a new six week hybrid course for design and construction professionals working with or transitioning into mass timber. The course is ideal for engineers, architects, technologists, and construction professionals looking to expand their mass timber expertise.

Course Overview

This industry-aligned course provides an overview of mass timber design, fabrication, and construction, covering the project lifecycle from early concept development to installation. Participants will explore sustainability principles, engineered wood and mass timber products, structural systems, fabrication aspects, construction practices, and the value of off-site construction.

• February 2 – March 15, 2026
• Hybrid delivery (self-paced online learning + 2 live online sessions + 2 in-person sessions)
• 45 CPD credits (AIBC & BC Housing – TBC)
• Limited sponsored seats available (for eligible Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents)

What You’ll Learn

Across six modules, you will explore:

• Forests, Carbon & Sustainability – Carbon capture, lifecycle thinking, and certification systems.
• Wood Science & Engineered Wood Products – Behaviour of timber, manufacturing characteristics, and product variability.
• Mass Timber Design Considerations – Gravity and lateral systems, detailing, fire safety, and code considerations.
• Mass Timber Fabrication Considerations – Supplier expectations, quality control, deliverables, and offsite workflow.
• Mass Timber Construction Considerations – Tolerances, connections, moisture management, and site leadership.
• Off-site Construction & Industry Value – An exploration of the value of off-site construction principles for designers, builders, developers, and owners.

More Information

• Ciprian Pirvu, Program Head – cpirvu2@bcit.ca

Course Overview

Are you a construction professional looking to upskill or strengthen your expertise in Mass Timber (MT)? Mass Timber for Construction Managers is a 2.0 credit hybrid course designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to successfully plan, coordinate, and deliver MT projects from preconstruction to completion.

This course blends online learning with in-person workshops, giving you applied tools to tackle MT’s unique opportunities and risks. Learn directly from BCIT facilitators and industry experts, with real-world case studies, interactive activities, and project-based assignments that reinforce the content and prepare you for your next MT project.

• February 23 – April 12, 2026
• Limited sponsored seats available (for eligible Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents)

Why take this Course?

• Comprehensive curriculum: Covers MT fundamentals, preconstruction workflows, risk management, onsite logistics, and QA/QC strategies.
• Expert-led instruction: Learn from industry practitioners with significant hands-on MT experience.
• Applied learning approach: Case studies, simulations, and participatory workshops designed for immediate application in practice.
• Industry-relevant knowledge: Stay ahead of evolving best practices in MT project delivery.
• BCIT degree pathway: If you are a current student in BCIT’s Bachelor of Technology in Construction Management (BTech CM), this course is approved as an eligible elective toward your degree.

What You’ll Learn

Module 1: Mass Timber Construction Fundamentals

• History, applications, benefits, and challenges of MT
• Manufacturing processes and their impact on project planning
• Synergies with zero energy buildings
• Codes, standards, and regulatory frameworks in BC

Module 2: Preconstruction Planning for Mass Timber

• Mindset shift from conventional building—why early engagement matters
• Key interdisciplinary coordination activities in design, procurement, and budgeting
• Logistics and installation planning before fabrication begins
• Applied activity: Develop your own MT preconstruction plan

Module 3: Risk Mitigation Planning

• Identifying and planning for MT-specific risks (moisture, UV, fire, trade coordination, etc.)
• Developing a risk mitigation plan for real-world scenarios
• Guest lecture insights from practitioners on successes and challenges

Module 4: Onsite Considerations & Logistics Planning

• Sequencing, delivery strategies, and installation workflows
• Live simulation: project kick-off “introduction pitch”
• Guest lecture: Lessons learned from landmark MT projects

Delivery Format

• Length: 8 weeks
• Format: Hybrid (self-paced online modules + in-person workshops)
• In-person sessions: Each 3-hour session includes:
  • Guided discussion with BCIT instructors
  • Guest lecture from an industry expert
  • Workshop-style learning activities that reinforce module content

Who Should Enroll?

• Construction Managers, Project Managers, Coordinators, and Site Superintendents
• Professionals transitioning into MT delivery
• Architects & Engineers seeking delivery-side insights
• Students with CM backgrounds expanding their skillset

Ready to Apply?

For more information, please contact:

• Enrique González, Project Lead – enrique_gonzalez@bcit.ca

Cost Estimation for Mass Timber Construction is a stand-alone part-time course delivered over a 10-week time frame and is designed to provide students with advanced skills in estimating mass timber projects. Participants will learn about the key differences between mass timber construction and other forms of construction for various applications. Participants will also learn about the factors that influence pricing and demand of mass timber construction and will work through practical assignments to formulate pricing for mass timber construction projects. This course has been designed for construction cost estimators and quantity surveyors.

Learn More – Cost Estimation for Mass Timber Construction

Digital Project Delivery for Mass Timber Construction is a stand-alone part-time course delivered over a 9-week timeframe. This course explores the impact of digital modelling on processes, methods and tools used in mass timber construction. Students will learn how digital modelling can transform project planning and execution from early schematic design to commissioning and occupancy. The course explains how digital tools, such as BIM, VDC, and DfMA form the foundation of an integrated project delivery method. It offers insight into construction scheduling, the benefits of real-time collaboration platforms, fabrication modelling and the types of analysis crucial for mass timber components, addressing its role in the decarbonization of the economy and climate change mitigation.

Learn More – Digital Project Delivery for Mass Timber Construction

Course Overview

In the face of a changing climate and the urgent need for low-carbon solutions, forests and wood products play a critical role in reshaping how we design and build. This mini-course explores the intersection of climate change mitigation, sustainable forestry, and the use of mass timber in high-performance buildings.

Through a life cycle lens, participants will learn how sustainably managed forests and bio-based materials contribute to decarbonizing the built environment. The course also covers how to evaluate and recommend material strategies that balance embodied carbon, biodiversity, and health considerations.

Emphasis is placed on wood’s contribution to indoor environmental quality, biophilic design, and occupant wellness, alongside applications of leading green building certifications like LEED®, Built Green®, and Passive House.

Whether you’re an architect, builder, engineer, or policy advisor, this course provides the knowledge to make informed, climate-smart material decisions for today’s evolving construction landscape.

Why take this Course?

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the role of forest ecosystems, certification systems, and sustainable material selection in optimizing carbon storage and supporting climate-resilient, low-impact wood construction.
• Demonstrate the environmental performance of mass timber construction by applying life cycle principles, carbon uptake and environmental product declarations to inform low-carbon design and material selection strategies.
• Discuss the impact of material choices, particularly wood, on indoor environmental quality, occupant health, and building performance, including aspects of fire safety and acoustics.
• Explain how mass timber can contribute to meeting the criteria of major Canadian green building certification systems, including LEED®, Built Green®, and Passive House.

Delivery Format

• When: September 29 – October 10, 2025
• Delivery Mode: hybrid (online modules plus four live guest lectures)
• Sponsored tuition – limited seats available
• CPD Credits: 15 (AIBC)

Live guest lectures from industry leaders:

• Etienne Bélanger, VP, Indigenous Relations and Forestry – Forest Products Association of Canada and Peter Moonen, National Sustainability Manager – Canadian Wood Council
• Angela Lai, Managing Partner – Core Two
• Tye Farrow, Senior Partner – Farrow Partners
• Manuela Londono Suarez, Senior Associate – Perkins&Will

Want to learn more or apply?

Please reach out to Ciprian Pirvu (contact information below).