Communication Services

Outside the garage sits an old school bus, an 18-wheeler and a caterpillar tractor. Inside, the smell of oil and grease waft through the air as engines and parts are gripped in vices.

They may not look like much now, but they provide hands-on training to CNC students who want to be heavy duty and commercial transport mechanics.

CNC’s Nicholson campus on 22 Street in Prince George has been firing on all cylinders for years and years, filling a unique demand in the work force.

There are three first-year classes, three second-year classes and three third-year classes offered back to back that all combine theory work in the classroom as well as hands-on experience in the shop.

“Growth in industry is phenomenal,” said heavy duty/commercial transport instructor Craig Hull. “There’s work in oil and gas and mining. Everybody is retiring but before they leave, these students have to get that experience.”

“Most of them have jobs for the summer for apprenticeships.”

From start to finish, it takes five years to train a heavy duty or commercial transport mechanic.

After completing entry-level courses, year one involves brakes and hydraulics; year two diesel engines; year three electrical and fuel injection systems and year four, transmissions. Other topics include: rigging, welding, frames, suspension and steering and running gear.

In their final year they branch off and focus on either the commercial transport or heavy duty stream.

Commercial transport mechanics work on buses and transport trailers such as Mac, Kenworth and Peterbilt. Heavy duty mechanics work on Caterpillar and Finning machinery such as feller bunchers, excavators and skidders.

“They are very well-rounded students,” Hull said.

It’s just not Prince George students taking advantage. Those from Kelowna, Vancouver and Prince Rupert are attracted to the program, ranging in age from 16 to 50.

It’s a grueling schedule but worth it.

“We are looking for people with a lot of drive and aptitude,” said Hull.

“They will become very motivated since there is a lot of work available.”

Another bonus is high school students can complete a year of training in the course through the Career Technical Centre, earning both their high school diploma and a certificate from CNC.

“That’s the fast track to success,” said Hull. “They can be 20 years old and already be third-year apprentices.”

When they graduate and after working as apprentices for a specified period, students can write the Interprovincial Standards Examination to earn their tickets for heavy duty or commercial transport.

Perspective students and employers are welcome any time to check out the shop on Nicholson Street. For information, call 250-561-5867.