Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation

Overview

Do you have an interest in repairing heavy machinery? Heavy mechanical trades mechanics and technicians are critical to keeping the wheels of industry turning. In this 36-week certificate program you will learn to repair transport trucks and trailers, buses, crawler tractors, loaders, skidders, feller bunchers, excavators, and more. The Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation program prepares you for a career as a Heavy Mechanic.

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

As heavy equipment and diagnostic tools become increasingly advanced, people with up-to-date training will be in demand in industry. CNC is proud of our state of the art Heavy Mechanical Trades facility, which opened October 2018. In partnership with industry we offer students the chance to work on cutting edge training aids and equipment.

Gain relevant experience working with:

• Wire rope and winches
• Hydraulic, air and alternate brake systems
• Diesel engines
• Electrical, spark and mechanical diesel systems
• Power train components

Become an Apprentice

This foundation program will provide entry level practical skills and academic knowledge to prepare you to begin the apprenticeship pathway in one of the three trades listed above . You do not need an employer sponsor to participate. In fact, one of the main reasons to complete a foundation program is to gain experience and familiarity with the trade, giving you a competitive advantage to finding an employer to hire you as their apprentice.

The Heavy Mechanical Trades program is unique in that it provides core training for three trades. Completing the first two years of the program, plus the required work based training hours, allows you to receive your Diesel Engine Mechanic Certificate of Qualification. To be a Red Seal certified Heavy Duty Equipment Technician or Truck and Transport Mechanic you would complete the first three levels of the Heavy Mechanical Trades program, followed by the specialized 4th level program for your chosen trade. There also is the opportunity to be dual Red Seal ticketed in Heavy Duty Equipment Technician and Truck and Transport Mechanic by completing the 4th level and work based training hours for both programs.

Upon successful completion of the foundation program, you will receive credit with the BC Industry Training Authority (ITA) for Level 1 technical training in Heavy Mechanical Trades. Once you are officially registered as an apprentice with ITA, you will then be able to complete the work based training hours (on the job training) and higher levels of apprenticeship training for your chosen trade.

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.