Mechanical Design
Overview
Gain hands-on skills in mechanical piping design, drafting, and 3D modeling. This certificate prepares you for entry-level roles in energy, manufacturing, and construction industries worldwide.
The Lambton College Mechanical Design (MPDS), Board of Governors Certificate program equips students with the specialized knowledge and technical skills required by industry to design, analyze, and document mechanical design in piping systems used in industrial, commercial, and manufacturing settings. Through hands-on learning, students develop a strong foundation in engineering drawings, piping systems, and material selection, preparing them for careers in industries such as energy, manufacturing, and construction.
Students gain skills in engineering drawings and technical drafting, learning to create and interpret detailed schematics for piping systems. They will develop an understanding of pumps, machines, and fluid movement, allowing them to design efficient piping layouts that meet industry standards. A focus on industrial materials and metallurgy ensures that students can assess material properties and select appropriate components based on factors such as strength, durability, and environmental conditions. The program also emphasizes advanced drafting techniques and 3D modeling, enabling students to produce complex piping layouts and design solutions.
Graduates will be well-prepared to contribute to the design and implementation of mechanical design in piping systems in a variety of industrial settings for entry-level roles in mechanical piping design, drafting, and related fields. With a focus on industry-relevant skills and practical applications, this certificate program provides a direct pathway into the workforce or further studies in engineering technology and related disciplines.
Admission Requirements
- O.S.S.D. or equivalent
Costs
- Fees will be determined in Spring 2026.
Scholarships Available
There are 21 scholarships available for this program, with a total value of $34,604!
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College requires that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.
Courses
Introduction to Pumps, Machines and Piping
This course is a survey of the aspects of pumps, piping and conveyor systems applicable to Mechanical Technicians in the Industrial Maintenance program. Millwrights working in the trade will be involved with many different types of equipment including pumps, piping systems and conveyors. The millwright must be familiar with the different types of pumps, their unique features and how they are maintained. Piping systems are associated all other plant equipment. This piping must be selected, installed and maintained. The student will develop knowledge regarding types, selection and the principles of operation of various materials handling systems. The knowledge obtained is considered as background for other technical courses including Preventive and Predictive Maintenance.
Industrial Materials and Metallurgy
This course is designed to provide the student with an enhanced understanding of industrial materials of construction and metallurgy. Materials studied will include ferrous and non-ferrous metals as well as non-metallic materials. Properties, selection and applications of various materials, corrosion awareness, failure analysis and application of simple NDE will be examined. Why materials are selected for certain applications and how they are affected by their manufacturing methods and their environment will be studied. The properties and aspects of materials have direct bearing on the application for a specific use. Metallic and non- metallic materials have evolved and the wide range of materials available today can be staggering. Corrosion and material failures occur and a good understanding of these topics as well as non-destructive examination is required of maintenance personnel to provide continued safe plant operations.
Advanced Engineering Drawings
Millwrights and technicians require the ability to sketch, read, develop and interpret engineering drawings. These skills are necessary in order to comply with drawing standards and specifications while installing and maintaining machinery. Topics in this course include developing Engineering Drawings using AutoCAD (2D) and Solidworks (3D). Computer Aided Design (CAD) Software is used for the creation and modification of parts, assemblies and drawings. The construction and constraining of assemblies will be covered as will the creation of part and assembly drawings using the software.
Blueprint Interpretation and Drawing
This course develops the student's ability to communicate though weld engineered drawings and sketching. Welders require the ability to sketch, read, and interpret blueprint drawings. These skills are necessary in order to comply with drawing standards and specifications while welding and fabricating. Topics in this course include sketching orthographic and isometric views, dimensioning, the title block and drawing notes. In addition, section views, detail and assembly drawings will be examined including bill of materials. Structural steels shapes, and piping will be explored with respect to project drawings. Students will explore joint design and welding symbols to help interpret blueprints. By the end of the course, students should be able to read a welding blueprint.
Introduction to CAD for Instrumentation & Control
This is an introductory course on the use of AutoCAD 2019 Computer Assisted Design and Drafting software. Students learn to access AutoCAD commands for preferences, drawings modifying, dimensioning, applying text and plotting, to produce 2-D drawings. The use of Computer Assisted Design as a drafting and design tool that is used extensively in many industries locally and throughout the world. An individual who learns understands and can apply this program, has little difficulty transferring those skills to other CAD programs. AutoCAD is introduced as a valuable tool that could be used by any technologist, with a focus on electrical, process control and instrumentation.
After Graduation
Employment Opportunities
Successful graduates of this program will be able to apply for a wide variety of jobs with the clear focus being on process piping design and drafting. Graduates will be in high demand and may find employment in various sectors including energy, manufacturing and construction industries. Typical roles for graduates include process piping designer and drafter, piping design field checker, mechanical designer.
More Information
Technology Requirements
It is recommended that you use a Windows laptop for your coursework. While other devices like MacBooks or Chromebooks might work for some tasks, they may not support all the software required for your program. If you're unsure, check with your professors before buying.
Internet Speed Requirements
To get the best experience while learning online, we recommend having an internet connection with at least 40 Mbps download speed and 10 Mbps upload speed. This will help you use video calls, attend online lectures, and access other learning tools smoothly.
Because students live in many different areas, we can't suggest a specific internet provider. You'll need to check with local companies to find one that works best for you.
Laptop Requirements
In order to access the internet and virtually-delivered software and courseware, student laptops should include the following at a minimum. By meeting the following specifications, students will be equipped to access software and courseware on their laptop through the internet:
- Intel i5 8th Gen Processor or equivalent
- 8GB of RAM
- 100 GB HDD or more
- Webcam with a microphone
- Wi-Fi capable (802.11n/ac 5GHz)
- Windows 11 operating system
Mobile Device
Students will require a mobile device (smartphone) for:
- Accessing your digital student ID
- Using campus applications and services
Software
To ensure students are getting the most our of their classroom experience, some software will be required.
Lambton College has made this software easily accessible online. Students can leverage our Microsoft Office 365 software packages and services. In addition, much of the software you require for your courses will be available on demand for use on any device - on or off campus.