Learn to safely inspect, service, and repair commercial trucks, diesel engines, transport trailers, and other heavy equipment.
As of April 1, 2022 all heavy mechanical trades programs on Annacis Island will be operated by the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) except VCC’s Youth Train in Trades Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation program which will operate at VCC’s Broadway campus. MORE INFO
What you will learn
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Apply foundational and essential job skills
- Work in accordance with occupational health and safety standards
- Service and repair brake systems (hydraulic and air)
- Service hydraulic systems
- Service and diagnose electrical systems and components
- Service, diagnose, and repair frames, steering and suspensions
- Service, diagnose, and repair trailer landing gear, accessories, systems and components
- Diagnose and repair heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and components
- Service engine supporting systems
- Remove and install diesel engines
- Service drive train systems
- Remove and install transmissions, drivelines, differentials, and final drives
- Service cab structures and components
What to expect
Instructional activities throughout the program include hands-on practice in school and the workplace, student-led group discussions and presentations, interactive lectures, work report projects, case studies, reflective journaling, and role-play.
Red Seal Essential Skills for Success are integrated throughout the program.
The program is delivered in the classroom, VCC shop, online, and in the workplace.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- English 10 or equivalent
- Apprentice and Workplace Math 10, or equivalent
General
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
Good physical condition is important because the work often requires considerable standing, bending, crawling, lifting, climbing, pulling and reaching. It is strongly recommended that the applicant take the ITA ‘essential skills’ assessment or equivalent self-assessment. This will help in determining if additional education prior to attending this program is required.
Some important attributes of the Heavy Mechanical Foundation Student are:
- Reliability
- Analytical skills
- Ability to read and understand service manuals
- Mathematical aptitude
They also demonstrate the ability to:
- Communicate effectively
- Work with little or no supervision
- Contribute to a team approach
- Plan and work sequentially
- Adapt to changing technology
- Problem solve
Key attributes for people entering this trade are mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, stamina and agility. Communication skills and patience are also important. Other assets are good vision, hearing, and sense of smell to diagnose problems. This occupation may require a valid driver’s license with air endorsement and/or a forklift operator’s certificate.
Courses
*Program general hours
Monday to Thursday 7:15 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (Hours subject to change.)
This program must be completed within two years.
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| HMEC 1101 | Safe Work Practices | 1 |
| HMEC 1106 | Tools and Equipment 1 | 1 |
| HMEC 1107 | Tools and Equipment 2 | 1 |
| HMEC 1111 | Fasteners and Fittings | 1 |
| HMEC 1116 | Equipment Operation | 1 |
| HMEC 1126 | Lubricants and Bearings | 1 |
| HMEC 1131 | Employment Skills | 1 |
| HMEC 1160 | Cutting and Welding 1 | 1 |
| HMEC 1161 | Cutting and Welding 2 | 1 |
| HMEC 1165 | Math, Science and Loads | 1 |
| HMEC 1170 | Final Drives and Undercarriage | 1 |
| HMEC 1175 | Frames, Wheels, Tires and Hubs | 1 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Term Two | ||
| HMEC 1235 | Steering Systems | 1 |
| HMEC 1240 | Suspension Systems 1 | 1 |
| HMEC 1241 | Suspension Systems 2 | 1 |
| HMEC 1245 | Hydraulic Systems | 1 |
| HMEC 1250 | Hydraulic System Service | 1 |
| HMEC 1255 | Electricity | 1 |
| HMEC 1260 | Batteries & Elect Test Instrum | 1 |
| HMEC 1265 | Starters and Charging Systems | 1 |
| HMEC 1270 | Electrical Circuits & Protective Coverings | 1 |
| HMEC 1275 | Hydraulic Brakes Systems | 1 |
| HMEC 1280 | Power Brakes | 1 |
| HMEC 1285 | Air Brakes 1 | 1 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Term Three | ||
| HMEC 1315 | Air Brakes 2 | 1 |
| HMEC 1320 | Heating & Air Conditioning Sys | 1 |
| HMEC 1325 | Landing Gear, Trailers & Coupl | 1 |
| HMEC 1330 | Trailer Components | 1 |
| HMEC 1335 | Diesel Fuel & Engine Supp Syst | 1 |
| HMEC 1340 | Diesel Engine Removal | 1 |
| HMEC 1345 | Diesel Engine Installation | 1 |
| HMEC 1350 | Gas Fuel Systems and Ignition | 1 |
| HMEC 1355 | Transmissions | 1 |
| HMEC 1360 | Drivelines | 1 |
| HMEC 1365 | Drive Axles and Differentials | 1 |
| HMEC 1370 | Employment Preparation | 1 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Fees and other costs
*| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 35 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 3483 |
Tuition Breakdown
1161 - Term 1
1161 - Term 2
1161 - Term 3
0 - Term 4
|
| Student union | 192 | |
| College initiative | 101 | |
| Materials | 338 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 140 | |
| Laundry | 401 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 95 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical & Dental | 275 | |
| U-PASS | 398 | |
| Graduation | 40 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
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* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a $300 non-refundable deposit.
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Apply now
Applications for the 2022-2023 intakes for the Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation Certificate are currently closed while we review completed applications.
If seats become available, applications will reopen. Please check here for updates.
Get started
Contact us
- Call 604.871.7000, option 2