Heavy Duty Mechanics in VIU's garage

Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation

Courses

HMTF 101T Work Experience (Ends Sep 2026)

An opportunity to work in the "real world" to gain important skills as well as an understanding of the nature of the heavy mechanical trades. The time spent on a worksite also provides an opportunity for making new contacts in the chosen field. HMTF 101T was formerly called HDCT 101T; credit will not be granted for both courses.

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HMTF 101T Work Experience (Effective Sep 2026)

A practical work placement in an approved heavy-duty industry workplace. Under employer and instructor supervision, students apply and expand technical knowledge and skills from the program. Emphasis is on employability, safe work practices, communication, teamwork, professionalism, and industry standards, while demonstrating competency in diagnostics, maintenance, and system troubleshooting. HMTF 101T was formerly called HDCT 101T; credit will not be granted for both courses.

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HMTF 140T Occupational Skills (Ends Sep 2026)

This course prepares students for working in a shop environment. Topics include developing safe work habits; tool identification/use; safe operation of equipment/vehicles; identification of fasteners, fittings and hoses; an introduction to computer usage of applied math skills, welding, record keeping, labour standards, business types and environmental practices for mechanical trades. HMTF 140T was formerly called HDCT 140T Shop Procedures; credit will not be granted for both courses.

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HMTF 140T Occupational Skills (Effective Sep 2026)

An introduction to essential occupational skills for the heavy-duty equipment industry. Topics include workplace safety, WorkSafeBC standards, communication, employability, technical documentation, service information systems, trade math, precision measuring, and tool identification and use. Students develop foundational competencies, professionalism, and safety awareness for a service environment. HMTF 140T was formerly called HDCT 140T Shop Procedures; credit will not be granted for both courses.

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HMTF 142T Brakes (Ends Sep 2026)

A study of the principles, repair and service of basic hydraulic and air brake systems. Covers brake systems used on both highway, and off-highway vehicles and equipment. Includes an examination of air accessories found in vehicles and equipment. HMTF 142T was formerly called HDCT 142T - Braking Systems; credit will not be granted for both courses.

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HMTF 142T Braking Systems (Effective Sep 2026)

An introduction to heavy-duty braking system principles, operation, diagnosis, service, and repair. Topics include air and hydraulic brake components, brake drums and discs, system inspection, diagnostic testing, and adjustment procedures. Students learn to diagnose, service, and repair braking systems in accordance with industry standards and safety practices. HMTF 142T was formerly called HDCT 142T - Braking Systems; credit will not be granted for both courses.

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HMTF 144T Hydraulics (Ends Sep 2026)

A study of principles, repair and service of basic hydraulic systems found in trucks and heavy equipment. HMTF 144T was formerly called HDCT 144T - Hydraulic Systems; credit will not be granted for both courses.

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HMTF 144T Hydraulics (Effective Sep 2026)

A foundational study of hydraulic systems used in heavy equipment and industrial machinery. Topics include fluid power principles, hydraulic components, system operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Students interpret hydraulic schematics, select and maintain components, and practice safe, precise procedures in accordance with manufacturer and industry standards. HMTF 144T was formerly called HDCT 144T - Hydraulic Systems; credit will not be granted for both courses.

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HMTF 148T Trailer (Ends Sep 2026)

Service landing gear and trailer accessories, 5th wheel coupling, pintle hook and eyes. Service and repair trailer body components. Repair refrigeration and heating.

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HMTF 148T Trailers (Effective Sep 2026)

A foundational study of trailer systems and components. Topics include suspension and brake systems, mechanical and electrical components, flooring, hydraulic systems, axles, wheel assemblies, and coupling units. Students learn principles, operation, maintenance, and repair of various trailer types used in heavy-duty applications.

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HMTF 150T Structural Components and Accessories (Ends Sep 2026)

Identify protective structures. Service cab structures.

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HMTF 150T Structural Components and Accessories (Effective Sep 2026)

A foundational study of structural components and accessories in heavy-duty equipment. Topics include protective structures, cab servicing, and diagnosis and repair of working attachments. Students gain hands-on experience ensuring structural integrity, functionality, and safety of equipment components.

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HMTF 152T Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (Ends Sep 2026)

Heating and air conditioning fundamentals, diagnosis and repair in the heavy duty and commercial transport fields.

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HMTF 152T Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (Effective Sep 2026)

A foundational study of HVAC systems in heavy-duty equipment. Topics include HVAC component construction and operation, fault diagnosis and repair, and system maintenance. Students gain hands-on experience troubleshooting and servicing HVAC systems to ensure operator comfort, safety, and equipment efficiency.

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HMTF 160T Suspension and Steering (Ends Sep 2026)

A study of the operation, repair and service of suspension and steering systems used on light and heavy vehicles. Topics covered are fifth wheels, track under carriages, truck frames, wheels and hubs. HMTF 160T was formerly called HDCT 160T; credit will not be granted for both courses.

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HMTF 160T Suspension and Steering (Effective Sep 2026)

A foundational study of suspension and steering systems on heavy-duty equipment. Topics include suspension geometry, load distribution, steering linkages, and power steering systems. Students learn inspection, maintenance, and repair techniques using diagnostic tools, with emphasis on precision measurement and safe work practices for reliable vehicle operation. HMTF 160T was formerly called HDCT 160T; credit will not be granted for both courses.

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HMTF 166T Powertrain (Ends Sep 2026)

A study of the principles, repair and service of power transfer units such as clutches, transmissions, drivelines, differentials final drives used in highway vehicles and heavy equipment. HMTF 166T was formerly called HDCT 166T; credit will not be granted for both courses.

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HMTF 166T Powertrain (Effective Sep 2026)

A foundational study of heavy-duty powertrain systems, including engines, transmissions, driveline components, and axles. Topics include inspection, maintenance, fault diagnosis, and repair techniques using diagnostic tools and precision measurement. Students learn to perform preventive maintenance and repairs in accordance with manufacturer specifications and safe work practices. HMTF 166T was formerly called HDCT 166T; credit will not be granted for both courses.

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HMTF 168T Electrical (Ends Sep 2026)

A study of the principles, repair and service of basic electrical and electronic systems. These systems include batteries, starting, charging and electronic engine control. HMTF 168T was formerly called HDCT 168T; credit will not be granted for both courses.

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HMTF 168T Electrical (Effective Sep 2026)

A foundational study of heavy-duty electrical systems. Topics include batteries, wiring, lighting systems, sensors, actuators, and control modules. Students learn circuit analysis, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair using diagnostic tools, with emphasis on safe work practices to ensure reliable electrical system operation. HMTF 168T was formerly called HDCT 168T; credit will not be granted for both courses.

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HMTF 180T Engine and Supporting Systems (Ends Sep 2026)

A study of the principles, repair and service of basic gasoline and diesel engine systems. HMTF 180T was formerly called HDCT 180T; credit will not be granted for both courses.

Prerequisite: Admission to program.

HMTF 180T Engine and Supporting Systems (Effective Sep 2026)

A foundational study of heavy-duty engines and support systems. Topics include diesel engine operation, fuel delivery, cooling, lubrication, and exhaust systems. Students learn servicing, maintenance, repair, and diagnostic techniques using precision measurement, following manufacturer specifications and safe work practices to ensure reliable engine performance. HMTF 180T was formerly called HDCT 180T; credit will not be granted for both courses.

Prerequisite: Admission to program.