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Heavy Duty/Commercial Transport Foundation

INFO SESSIONS & TOURS   Transportation Trades Next Date: Sep 14, 2010 more information »

This program originated in 1949 at the Vancouver Vocational Institute. In 1983, the program moved to new facilities at the Broadway campus. For over fifty years the program has placed highly trained graduates in every branch of the industry and is recognized by hundreds of firms throughout BC. In its modern and well-equipped shop, students work on equipment that replicatew actual shop conditions, preparing them for their chosen field of interest.
The Heavy Duty/Commercial Transport Program is an Industry recognized 9 month foundation program, which, upon completion, enables students to choose from the following trades: Heavy Duty Mechanic, Commercial Transport Vehicle Mechanic, Diesel Engine Mechanic, and Trailer Mechanic.

Students successfully completing this program are issued a VCC Heavy Duty/Commercial Transport Combined Foundation Certificate.

If you know the admission requirements,

Find out more about this program:

Program Description Career Prospects Admission Requirements Program Status

Apply to this Program Fees and Other Costs Additional Information Courses

Program Description

Students completing the nine-month Heavy Duty/Commercial Transport Program are able to:

1) operate basic machine shop equipment which would include:
- lathes
- electric welders
- oxy-acetylene welders
- cylinder hones
- valve and seat grinders and cutters
- boring bar
- rod reconditioning equipment

2) service and repair
- hydraulic systems and components
- electrical components including starters, alternators and related circuits
- air, hydraulic and engine braking systems
- diesel engines
- standard powershift and automatic transmissions, marine gears, clutches, drivelines, differentials, suspension systems and steering systems
- mechanical and electronic fuel systems
- Woodward hydraulic and electronic governors

3) operate power generation units

4) perform logical troubleshooting

5) employ clean, safe and orderly work habits

6) demonstrate professional attitudes towards work

NOTE:
The program is divided into major competencies which may be combined to produce units of special instruction to meet special training needs such as skill upgrading for engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, hydraulics, air brakes or basic electricity.

Topic

Basics -Term 1
This level prepares students with the safety requirements including "Workplace Hazardous Materials training" and Basic Skills the mechanic needs in the work place. Topics and shop practice include, basic metallurgy, metal lathe operation, and three types of welding. In addition, students learn electrical systems, heavy duty braking systems, and equipment hydraulics systems.

Power trains and Diesel Engines-Term 2
This level brings together what is learned in level one. It consists of learning the various ways power is transmitted from the diesel engine to the wheels, tracks or propellers. Students disassemble and overhaul powershift transmission, automatic and standard truck transmissions and marine gears. Students then learn the systems and operation of the diesel engine then disassemble, evaluate and rebuild a heavy-duty diesel engine. Basics of air conditioning are also covered in this section.

Mechanical, Electronic Fuel Systems and Electrical Power Generation-Term 3
Electronic and mechanical fuel systems are covered in this section in detail. All major manufacturers of diesel engine fuel systems are covered including Caterpillar, Detroit Diesel, Cummins and Bosch. Students test engine performance and tune up all makes and models of diesel engines. This level also covers the basics of diesel electrical power generation using hydraulic and electronic governors. Students learn to set up and parallel gensets.

Start Length Credential Campus Part or Full‑time January, April, September 9 months Certificate Broadway Full-time

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Heavy Duty/Commercial Transport Program can find employment as an apprentice, specialist or trainee in the fields of:

Heavy Duty Mechanics/Technician

Commercial Transport Mechanic/Technician

Diesel Engine Technician Specialist

Marine Engineering Trainee

Fuel injection and governor controls specialist

Diesel gen-set specialist

Component rebuild specialist

· Information about graduate outcomes

Admission Requirements

General

VCC welcomes applications from Canadian citizens, permanent residents and international students.

Exceptions
International students

As Vancouver Community College is a post-secondary institution committed to educating adult learners, applicants should be 18 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school.

Please note that you must submit official transcripts and educational documents to support your application; unfortunately, we cannot accept photocopies or fax versions.

Program Specific

Graduation from an appropriate career preparation program or meet the English and Math requirements of:

- English 11 or Communications 12 or equivalent

- Math 10 or equivalent

Relevant trade experience is considered

Recommended characteristics

- Good general health and respiratory condition

- Average physical strength and stamina compatible with the handling of heavy parts and equipment as required by the program

- Ability to tolerate noise and vibration when wearing recommended hearing protection

- Mechanical aptitude and dexterity capabilities

- Good hand-eye coordination

- Good eyesight and normal colour vision

- Good line, form and depth perception

Program Status

Accepting applications (approximate 1 year waitlist)

Apply to this Program

The first step, apply early. Students who have officially applied and met all admission requirements are sent a letter of acceptance approximately four to five months in advance of the next available start date. A first payment is required to reserve a space in the program.

Online     Fax     In Person If you're ready and know the program you want, apply now. Download and complete the (PDF) application form and fax to 604.871.7458. Visit us at one of our campus locations.

After you apply, you can check your to see if all of the requirements have been met or to update contact information. Please use the temporary login ID and Personal Identification Number (PIN) that you used to complete your original online application.

Fees and Other Costs

Application Fee Tuition Fee $30.00 $2,745

International Tuition Fees

Application Fee Tuition Fee Ancillary Fee $125.00 $11,989.80 $925

Other Costs

Cost Type Details College initiative fee $79.20 Student union fee $71.07 Student union health plan fee $142.15 Student union dental plan fee $135.41 Other costs Material fee: $266Refundable tool and coverall deposit: $85Textbooks: $500 Safety Equipment: $280

Additional Information

For further information:

Phone: 604.443.8453

Email: diesel@vcc.ca

Courses