Overview
Get certified with CNC's heavy mechanical trades apprenticeship program! This program provides the technical training portion of your apprenticeship journey, which in combination with work-based training hours, leads to Red Seal certification.
Training dates & how to apply
For up-to-date technical training dates at CNC visit the Trades Training BC website.
To apply for any level of technical training at CNC visit EducationPlannerBC.
About apprenticeship programs
Apprenticeship programs provide a unique approach to post-secondary education, combining classroom-based learning (known as technical training) with on-the-job training. This enables you to “earn while you learn,” significantly reducing the need for student debt and building your career NOW instead of waiting until you’ve completed your education.
In addition to earning wages while learning on the job, many apprentices have their technical training paid for by their company, and/or qualify for Employment Insurance while in school. Additionally, there are a number of grants and tax credits available to both apprentices and employers. Visit SkilledTradesBC to learn more.
Red Seal tradespeople are certified to work across Canada and may also have their credentials recognized internationally. Certified skilled tradespeople are in demand worldwide, leading to opportunities for international work experience or volunteer opportunities. Many tradespeople also are entrepreneurs, building businesses that may eventually employ others and give back to the local community.
A Red Seal trade can also be a stepping stone to further education, management positions, or even returning to college as an educator teaching the next generation of tradespeople.
Careers
This career is suited for people who enjoy hands on problem solving. Tradespeople working in the heavy mechanical trades need to be comfortable working with a range of equipment, from sophisticated electronics to heavy tracks and hydraulic parts. Mechanics and technicians may work indoors in a shop or plant, outdoors where equipment is being used, or a combination of both.
Heavy duty mechanics may be employed by equipment owners and operators, or by independent service companies who do maintenance and repairs for customers.
Industries in which heavy-duty mechanics are critical include:
- Transportation and trucking
- Forestry Mining
- Oil and Gas
- Construction
- Agriculture
Heavy-duty mechanics might work indoors in a shop or plant, outdoors where equipment is being used, or a combination of both.
What you will learn
In the Heavy Mechanical Trades apprenticeship program you will master all aspects of heavy mechanical and commercial transport equipment. You will also learn electrical and electronics diagnosis and repair such as electrohydraulic controls. You will increase capabilities of diagnosis and handle problems and perform diagnostic tests.
Governing bodies
Apprentice Heavy Mechanical Trades Courses
Ramp up your career working with big rigs, diesel engines and heavy duty wheeled equipment. Learn to expertly handle hydraulics, power train components and more as a skilled, apprentice-trained heavy duty mechanic. In the Heavy Mechanical Trades apprenticeship program you will master mechanical linkages as well as sensitive electronics such as microprocessor controls that help diagnose problems and perform tests. CNC's program offers you a unique opportunity to earn dual trade tickets in a combined heavy duty and commercial transport program.
Heavy Mechanical Trades Courses
HMT 100 – Heavy Mechanical Trades Common Core Level 1 (10 weeks) *
HMT 200 – Heavy Mechanical Trade Common Core Level 2 (8 weeks)
HMT 300 – Heavy Mechanical Trades Common Core Level 3 (6 weeks)
HDET 400 – Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Level 4 (5 weeks)
TTM 400 – Truck and Transport Mechanic Level 4 (5 weeks)
Diesel Engine Mechanic Apprentices who successfully complete HMT 200 are eligible to write the Diesel Engine Mechanic Certificate of Qualification (CofQ) Exam.
Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Apprentices who successfully complete HDET 400 are eligible to write the Red Seal Certification Exam for HDET.
Truck and Transport Apprentices who successfully complete TTM 400 are eligible to write the Red Seal Certification Exam for TTM.
Technical training must be completed in sequence. It is recommended to complete a full year of work-based training hours between levels to best prepare for the next level of technical training.
*You may also receive credit for Level 1 by successfully completing the Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation Program.
Training dates & how to apply
For up-to-date technical training dates at CNC visit the Trades Training BC website.
To apply for any level of technical training at CNC visit: tools.cnc.bc.ca/applytrades.
| COURSE CODE |
COURSE TITLE |
CREDITS |
LENGTH |
Locations & Dates
For up-to-date technical training dates at CNC visit the Trades Training BC website.
To apply for any level of technical training at CNC visit EducationPlannerBC.
| START DATE |
CAMPUS |
DELIVERY |
LENGTH |
| Fall 2025 |
Prince George |
In Class |
Level 3: Sept 15 - Oct 24 |
| Fall 2025 |
Prince George |
In Class |
Level 2: Oct 27 - Nov 28 |
| Fall 2025 |
Prince George |
In Class |
Level 4 Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
Oct 27 - Nov 28 |
| Spring 2026 |
Prince George |
In Class |
Level 1: Jan 5 - Mar 13 |
| Spring 2026 |
Prince George |
In Class |
Level 3: Jan 13 - Feb 20 |
| Spring 2026 |
Prince George |
In Class |
Level 4 Truck and Transport Mechanic
Feb 23 - Mar 27 |
| Spring 2026 |
Prince George |
In Class |
Level 4 Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
Mar 30 - May 1 |
| Spring 2026 |
Prince George |
In Class |
Level 2: Mar 23 - May 15 |
| Intersession 2026 |
Prince George |
In Class |
Level 1: May 19 - Jul 24 |
Entry Requirements
Once your employer has submitted an Apprentice and Sponsor Registration Form to SkilledTradesBC on your behalf you can apply to attend technical training at CNC. Many of our apprenticeship programs have waitlists so we encourage you to apply early.
SkilledTradesBC doesn’t require apprentices to have completed a required number of work-based-training hours to attend technical training. However, because apprenticeship programs are a unique blend of in-class and on-the-job training we encourage you to work with your employer to decide on a training schedule that best combines these two forms of training.
Need help meeting these requirements?
Check out our Academic Upgrading options.
Limited admission
A program with a limited number of seats per intake and is on a “first qualified, first admitted” basis.
Invest in your future
View costs by level
-
Level 1 Tuition: $1,161.28-1,188.57
Level 2 Tuition: $954.77-982.06
Level 3 Tuition: $775.55-802.84
Level 4 Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic Tuition: $775.55-802.84
Level 4 Truck & Transport Mechanic Tuition: $890.34-917.63
These costs are an estimate and do not include books. Student fees vary by campus. Check the fee schedule for more details.
Books for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.