Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation
| Type | Full Time |
|---|---|
| Length | 1 year |
| Campus | Prince George |
| Delivery | In Class |
| Fees* |
Estimated at $4,489
International Check fee schedule
*All fees are an estimate. |
| Starting Semesters | Fall 2027 Fall 2026 |
Fall 2026 Applications Closed for Prince George
Applications for the 2027 Fall Intake open in October 2026.
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 SkilledTradesBC for Level 1 technical training in Heavy Mechanical Trades. Once you are officially registered as an apprentice with SkilledTradesBC, 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.
Courses
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Burns Lake |
Description
The Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation program combines classroom-based theory with hands on practical training in a shop setting. Skills learned in the program will provide students with skills to seek an apprenticeship in Heavy Mechanical Trades such as Diesel Engine Mechanic, Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, and Truck and Transport Mechanic. Topics covered in this program include occupational skills, brakes, hydraulics, electrical, frames, steering, suspensions, trailer, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, engines and supporting systems, powertrain, and structural components and accessories.Entry Requirements
Fall 2027 Intake and Onwards
For applications to the Fall 2027 intake (September start), you must meet the following requirements:
Note: WorkSafe BC regulations apply to all Trades programs; students are expected to adhere to these regulations. While in the shop, all students must wear and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the area in which they are working and follow the safe work procedure which applies to the task. This may include, but is not limited to CSA certified safety footwear, safety glasses, hearing protection, and any other PPE dictated by common sense and/or WorkSafe BC regulations. Students must be aware they are working in an industrial setting with potential hazards and remain aware of their surroundings at all times. If a safety concern is identified, you must report this to your instructor immediately.
Need help meeting these requirements. Check out our Academic Upgrading options.
Program Specific Recommendations
The following courses or their equivalent, with a minimum grade of "C":
- English Language Arts 10, or equivalent
- Foundations of Math 10, or equivalent
CTC Option
High school students may be eligible to take this program. See your school counsellor for details.
Limited admission
If there is room in the program, you will be accepted once you have met all the admission requirements. This is called “first qualified, first accepted”. If you qualify after the program is full, you will be put on a wait list.
| Type | Campus | Starts | Status |
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Applications Closed |
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Open for Applications |
Invest in your future
The estimated cost for this program is $4,489.- Tuition: $3,109
- Student fees: $905
- Medical/Dental Fee (Fall semester only): $260
- Tool Deposit: $200 (Refundable)
These costs are an estimate and do not include books. Student fees vary by campus. Check the for more details.
Books for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.
Paying for college
We're here to help. You can apply for scholarships and bursaries through CNC. We can also help you find loans and other funding.
Salaries and employment
Looking for a job? Check the student employment opportunities or trades training job board.
