Program Length
- 10 Months
Credential
- Certificate
Options
- Apprenticeship
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
Start your career in heavy duty and transport mechanics
You like to know how things work and you want a career where you can put your problem-solving skills to the test. In VIU's Heavy Mechanical Trades program you work on real equipment, not just props. This gives you a broad range of experience and prepares you for a high-demand career in mechanics.
Build a solid foundation in heavy mechanics
The real-world problem solving you do in VIU's foundation program sets you apart in the job market. In this program you get plenty of hands-on training on real mobile equipment and trucks. Working in our large shop, you disassemble this machinery to see what wear and tear looks like. Then you learn how to deal with it and put it back together.
Sign up to learn more
Careers in heavy mechanical trades
With heavy duty mechanic training, you will find work everywhere you go. Everything that is built or moved around needs heavy equipment and trucks that will always need to be maintained. Heavy Duty Technicians generally work on heavy off-road equipment, but often find themselves repairing many types of equipment and vehicles. Because this machinery is used for business, you will be paid well.
When you complete this program, you'll be qualified to start an apprenticeship as a:
- heavy duty equipment technician
- truck and transport mechanic
- diesel engine mechanic
- transport trailer technician
- marine mechanic
Truck and Transport Mechanics generally work on highway trucks and buses. Marine mechanics on small ships and boats, Diesel Engine Mechanics specialize in engine repairs and rebuilding.
With a Red Seal certification, you can work in industries such as equipment dealerships, mining, forestry, construction, transportation, and marine engineering.
Practical training
Hands-on training
Learn on real mobile equipment and trucks, gaining practical experience.
Work experience
Complete a 4-week placement with industry partners, often leading to immediate employment.
Safety training
You learn to work safely with equipment – a skill that gives your career a long life.
About the Heavy Mechanical Trades program
This Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation program is for people who need more mechanical experience to start an apprenticeship in the trade. In addition to the service and maintenance of machines, you learn about safety, tools, communication and job search.
You will spend approximately two hours per day in class and approximately 4.25 hours per day in the shop.
The program covers:
- highway-type trucks and buses
- bulldozers
- loaders
- excavators
- earthmovers
- shop equipment
- safety
- mechanical reasoning
- air and hydraulic brake systems
- power transfer systems
- gasoline and diesel engine systems
- basic welding
When you finish the program, you receive:
- a certificate in Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation
- Level one theory credit
- 450 hours work-based training time
During the program you can get forklift certification at a special student rate.
You can also get Air Brake driver's license endorsement and Class One Driver' license endorsement for an additional cost.
Courses and Concentrations
| Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation |
|---|
| HMTF 101T - (Work Experience) |
| HMTF 140T - (Occupational Skills) |
| HMTF 142T - (Brakes) |
| HMTF 144T - (Hydraulics) |
| HMTF 148T - (Trailer) |
| HMTF 150T - (Structural Components and Accessories) |
| HMTF 152T - (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) |
| HMTF 160T - (Suspension and Steering) |
| HMTF 166T - (Powertrain) |
| HMTF 168T - (Electrical) |
| HMTF 180T - (Engine and Support Systems) |
All program courses must be successfully completed before certificates will be issued.
Admission Information
- Grade 12, or equivalent, or mature student status.
- Minimum 17 years of age.
- Successful completion of assessment testing.
- Personal profile.
- Valid driver’s license.
- See also Trades general admission requirements.
Notes on Admission
- Good health and not allergic to solvents and lubricants.
- Those with good reading and comprehension skills, basic science, mathematics, study skills, and a mechanical aptitude experience the most success in the program.
- Computer skills, Physics 12, Mathematics 12 and English 12 are required by some employers.
- An interview may be required.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (10 months x $509.18 per month) | 5,091.80 |
| Lab fee | 182.86 |
| Student Activity fee (10 months x $20.37 per month) | 203.70 |
| Student Services fee (10 months x $22.49 per month) | 224.90 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (10 months x $38.87 per month) | 388.70 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Approximate cost for books and supplies including steel-toed boots and safety glasses (mandatory in the shop) | 1,300.00 |
| Total | 7,676.96 |
Forklift training is optional and available at an additional cost.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Nanaimo | September 2026 (full) | |
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
The Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation program has one intake each Fall.
Application Fee:
$46.06
Waitlist:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Melanie Cousins Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: Melanie.Cousins@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Brad Jannaway Email: Brad.Jannaway@viu.ca |
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Red Seal endorsement and apprenticeships
You can continue on to earn Red Seal endorsement as a technician. If you want technical training at VIU, choose which area you'd like to work in:
Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
Truck and Transport Mechanic
Try out a heavy Mechanical Trades class
Wondering what it’s really like to be in a VIU classroom? Shadow a Heavy Mechanical Trades class. You can meet current students and get a feel for the program before you apply. Email the program chair to sign up for a class shadow.