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Heavy Mechanical Trades: Apprenticeship

Vancouver Island University

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  • Training Level
    Apprenticeship
  • Tuition Estimate
    Verify on the program website (program fees section) for details.
  • Book & Supplies Cost Estimates
    Verify with apprentice@viu.ca or 250-740-6227 for details.
  • Credential Granted
    • Apprenticeship
    • Diesel Engine Mechanic- Certificate of Qualification
    • Heavy Duty Equipment Technician- Certificate of Qualification with Interprovincial Red Seal endorsement; Certificate of Apprenticeship
    • Transport Trailer Technician - Certificate of Qualification with Interprovincial Red Seal endorsement; Certificate of Apprenticeship
    • Truck and Transport Mechanic- Certificate of Qualification with Interprovincial Red Seal endorsement; Certificate of Apprenticeship
  • Coordinator Contact
    Tanya Reiber Email tanya.reiber@viu.ca or 250.740.6112

Application Deadline Advice

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Early application is strongly recommended.

Training Schedule

Training schedule details provided by the BC Trades Training Consortium (TTC).

Contact VIU for the next opening.

Related Foundation Programs

Not ready for an apprenticeship program? This Foundation (Pre-apprenticeship) program may be of interest:

Apprenticeship Training

This program satisfies the training standard set by the BC Industry Training Authority (ITA) for:

The structure of the Heavy Mechanical Trades apprentice programs is common training for Level 1 up to Level 3 (with the exception of DEM as it only requires two levels), followed by trade specific training. Apprentices would attend the required common and then the trade-specific technical training, depending on the pathway of your chosen trade.

The technical training levels that are required for completion in each of the apprenticeship programs are as follows:

Truck and Transport Mechanic (TTM)
Level 1, 2, 3 Heavy Mechanical Trades (HMT)
Level 4 Truck and Transport Mechanic (TTM)
Heavy Duty Equipment Technician (HDET)
Level 1, 2, 3 Heavy Mechanical Trades (HMT)
Level 4 Heavy Duty Equipment Technician (HDET)
Diesel Engine Mechanic (DEM)
Level 1, 2 Heavy Mechanical Trades (HMT)
Note: Registration in this trade will be at the ITA only. Apprentices complete the HMT levels at the post-secondary institution.
Transport Trailer Technician (TTT)
Level 1 Heavy Mechanical Trades (HMT)
Level 4 Truck and Transport Mechanic (TTM)

Diesel Engine Mechanic

For updated details regarding Diesel Engine Mechanic, please review the ITA Accredited program profiles.

ITA Registration

Individuals who wish to begin an apprenticeship in this program must register with the ITA along with their sponsors. Application forms for all programs are available from the ITA website. Online registration is also available for most programs though the ITA website.

Description

Diesel Engine Mechanics install, repair and maintain all internal combustion diesel engines and components used in transport, construction and marine.

The program combines technical and work-based training. It generally takes two years to complete.

The technical training is offered in two levels. Level One is 10 weeks (300 hours). Level Two is 8 weeks (240 hours). Students who complete a Heavy Mechanical Foundation program and complete a Certificate of Competency may earn credit for Level one and enter directly into Level 2 of this trade. This block of training is normally delivered through an ITA approved training institution. Sometimes it may also be met through approved training models (distance education, online, part-time) and/or a level challenge exam. 

The work-based training totals 3000 hours. Based on a 30-hour work week this involves 100 weeks of training.

Training Content
  • Occupational Skills
  • Brakes
  • Hydraulics
  • Electrical
  • Frames, Steering and Suspension
  • Trailer
  • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
  • Engines and Supporting Systems
  • Structural Components and Accessories
Pre-requisites

Recommended

(Please refer to the BC Curriculum Comparison Chart for course equivalents)

Grade 10 or equivalent, including:
  • English 10
  • Math 10
  • Science 10

Preferred

  • Grade 12 or equivalent
Advisor Tips
The Certificate of Qualification Exam is another rrequirement for each level. The passing grade is 70%.
Cross-Program Credits

Individuals who hold the credentials listed below are entitled to receive partial credit toward the completion requirements of this program.

Credential
Credits Granted

Heavy Duty Equipment Technician- Certificate of Qualification

  • Technical Training: Levels 1 & 2
  • Work-Based Training: 1,500 hours

Truck and Transport Mechanic- Certificate of Qualification

  • Technical Training: Levels 1 & 2
  • Work-Based Training: 1,500 hours

Transport Trailer Technician- Certificate of Qualification

  • Technical Training: Level 1
  • Work-Based Training: 750 hours
Related Occupations

Apprenticeship training in this program can lead to a career in:

Explore potential career options in WorkBC. BC Work Futures provides information about occupations, industries and labour market conditions in British Columbia. It features detailed profiles of over 500 occupations.

Heavy Duty Equipment Technician

For updated details regarding Heavy Duty Equipment Technician , please review the ITA Accredited program profiles.

ITA Registration

Individuals who wish to begin an apprenticeship in this program must register with the ITA along with their sponsors. Application forms for all programs are available from the ITA website. Online registration is also available for most programs though the ITA website.

Description

Heavy Duty Equipment Technicians maintain, manufacture, recondition, overhaul and repair equipment powered by internal combustion engines or electricity. This equipment includes graders, loaders, shovels, off-highway tractors, off-highway trucks, forklifts, wheeled and tracked vehicles of all types used in construction, logging, sawmill, manufacturing, mining and other similar industry settings.

The program combines technical and work-based training. It generally takes four years to complete.

The technical training is made up of four levels totaling 840 hours.  Level One is 300 hours, Level Two is 240 hours, Level three is 180 hours, Level 4 is 120 hours. This block of training is normally delivered through an ITA approved training institution. Sometimes it may also be met through approved training models (distance education, part-time) and/or a level challenge exam.

The work-based training totals 6360 hours. Based on a 30-hour work week this involves 212 weeks of training.

For details about the Pan-Canadian Harmonization Initiative and previous changes to the program structure, visit the ITA website OSPN 2017-010 .

Training Content
  • Occupational Skills
  • Brakes
  • Hydraulics
  • Electrical
  • Frames, Steering and Suspension
  • Trailer
  • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
  • Engines and Supporting Systems
  • Powertrains
  • Structural Components and Accessories
Pre-requisites

Recommended

(Please refer to the BC Curriculum Comparison Chart for course equivalents)

Grade 10 or equivalent, including:
  • English 10
  • Math 10
  • Science 10

Preferred

  • Grade 12 or equivalent
Advisor Tips
The Red Seal endorsement allows qualified tradespeople to practice their trade anywhere in the country.  To receive this endorsement you must pass a Red Seal exam. Depending on your trade there is anywhere from 100 to 150 multiple choice questions on the exam. The passing grade is 70%.

There are currently 56 designated Red Seal trades in Canada.
Cross-Program Credits

Individuals who hold the credentials listed below are entitled to receive partial credit toward the completion requirements of this program.

Credential
Credits Granted

Truck & Transport Mechanic- Certificate of Qualification

  • Technical Training: Levels 1, 2 & 3
  • Work-Based Training: 4,500 hours

Diesel Engine Mechanic Certificate- Certificate of Qualification

  • Technical Training: Levels 1 & 2
  • Work-Based Training: 1,500 hours

Transport Trailer Technician- Certificate of Qualification

  • Technical Training: Level 1
  • Work-Based Training: 1,500 hours
Related Occupations

Apprenticeship training in this program can lead to a career in:

Explore potential career options in WorkBC. BC Work Futures provides information about occupations, industries and labour market conditions in British Columbia. It features detailed profiles of over 500 occupations.

Transport Trailer Technician

For updated details regarding Transport Trailer Technician , please review the ITA Accredited program profiles.

ITA Registration

Individuals who wish to begin an apprenticeship in this program must register with the ITA along with their sponsors. Application forms for all programs are available from the ITA website. Online registration is also available for most programs though the ITA website.

Description

Transport Trailer Technicians maintain, rebuild, overhaul, recondition, and perform diagnostic trouble shooting and repair of commercial trailers.

The program combines technical and work-based training. It generally takes two years to complete.

The technical training is is made up of two levels. Level One is 300 hours (10 weeks). Level Two is 120 hours (4 weeks). This training is normally delivered through an ITA approved training institution. Sometimes it may also be met through approved training models (distance education, online, part-time) and/or a level challenge exam.

The work-based training totals 3,000 hours. Based on a 30-hour work week this equals 100 weeks of training.

Training Content
  • Occupational Skills
  • Brakes
  • Hydraulics
  • Electrical
  • Frames, Steering, and Suspension
  • Trailers
  • Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
  • Structural Components and Accessories
Pre-requisites

Recommended

(Please refer to the BC Curriculum Comparison Chart for course equivalents)

Grade 10 or equivalent, including:
  • English 10
  • Math 10
  • Science 10

Preferred

  • Grade 12 or equivalent
Advisor Tips
The Red Seal endorsement allows qualified tradespeople to practice their trade anywhere in the country.  To receive this endorsement you must pass a Red Seal exam. Depending on your trade there is anywhere from 100 to 150 multiple choice questions on the exam. The passing grade is 70%.

There are currently 56 designated Red Seal trades in Canada.
Cross-Program Credits

Individuals who hold the credentials listed below are entitled to receive partial credit toward the completion requirements of this program.

Credential
Credits Granted

Heavy Duty Equipment Technician - Certificate of Qualification

  • Technical Training: Level 1
  • Work-Based Training: 1,500 hours

Truck and Transport Mechanic - Certificate of Qualification

  • Technical Training: Level 1 & 2
  • Work-Based Training: 1,500 hours

Diesel Engine Mechanic - Certificate of Qualification

  • Technical Training: Level 1
  • Work-Based Training:750 hours
Related Occupations

Apprenticeship training in this program can lead to a career in:

Explore potential career options in WorkBC. BC Work Futures provides information about occupations, industries and labour market conditions in British Columbia. It features detailed profiles of over 500 occupations.

Truck and Transport Mechanic

For updated details regarding Truck and Transport Mechanic , please review the ITA Accredited program profiles.

ITA Registration

Individuals who wish to begin an apprenticeship in this program must register with the ITA along with their sponsors. Application forms for all programs are available from the ITA website. Online registration is also available for most programs though the ITA website.

Description

Truck and Transport Mechanics maintain, rebuild, overhaul, recondition, and does diagnostic troubleshooting of motorized commercial truck, bus, and road transport equipment.  

The program combines technical and work-based training. It generally takes four years to complete.

The technical training is made up of four levels totaling 840 hours (28 weeks). Level One is 300 hours (10 weeks). Level Two is 240 hours (8 weeks). Level Three is 180 hours (6 weeks). Level Four is 120 hours (4 weeks). This block of training is normally delivered through an ITA approved training institution. Sometimes it may also be met through approved training models (distance education, online, part-time) and/or a level challenge exam.

The work-based training totals 6,360 hours. Based on a 30-hour work week this involves 212 weeks of training.

For details about the Pan-Canadian Harmonization Initiative and changes to the program structure, visit the ITA website OPSN 2017 010 .

Training Content
  • Occupational Skills
  • Brakes
  • Hydraulics
  • Electrical
  • Frames, Steering and Suspension
  • Trailer
  • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
  • Engines and Supporting Systems
  • Powertrains
  • Structural Components and Accessories
Pre-requisites

Recommended

(Please refer to the BC Curriculum Comparison Chart for course equivalents)

Grade 10 or equivalent, including:
  • English 10
  • Math 10
  • Science 10

Preferred

  • Grade 12 or equivalent
Advisor Tips
The ITA Standardized Written Exam is another requirement for each level.

The Red Seal endorsement allows qualified tradespeople to practice their trade anywhere in the country.  To receive this endorsement you must pass a Red Seal exam. Depending on your trade there is anywhere from 100 to 150 multiple choice questions on the exam. The passing grade is 70%.

There are currently 56 designated Red Seal trades in Canada.
Cross-Program Credits

Individuals who hold the credentials listed below are entitled to receive partial credit toward the completion requirements of this program.

Credential
Credits Granted

Heavy Duty Equipment Technician - Certificate of Qualification

  • Technical Training: Level 1, 2 & 3
  • Work-Based Training: 4,500 hours

Diesel Engine Mechanic - Certificate of Qualification

  • Technical Training: Level 1 & 2
  • Work-Based Training: 1,500 hours

Transport Trailer Mechanic - Certificate of Qualification

  • Technical Training: Level 1 & 4
  • Work-Based Training: 1,500 hours
Related Occupations

Apprenticeship training in this program can lead to a career in:

Explore potential career options in WorkBC. BC Work Futures provides information about occupations, industries and labour market conditions in British Columbia. It features detailed profiles of over 500 occupations.