Heavy Duty Mechanics

This entry-level program is the equivalent to Module 1 of the Heavy Duty Apprenticeship program and is a prerequisite of an apprenticeship. The program teaches basic knowledge about the inspection, repair and maintenance of heavy off-road equipment such as trucks, bulldozers, loaders, skidders, etc. of both the wheeled and tracked variety.

Graduates are sufficiently trained to become productive employees with a bus line, trucking or transit fleet, commercial transport or heavy duty equipment dealership. Students also complete a two-week work experience placement, arranged by the faculty, prior to graduation.

View the Industrial Training Authority program profile for Heavy Duty Equipment Technician (Mechanic)

Course Content

The Heavy Duty Mechanic trade repairs heavy off-highway equipment used in the logging, mining, construction and other industries. Such equipment may include loaders, bulldozers, graders etc. Training covers inspection, repair and maintenance on live equipment such as bulldozers and loaders of both the wheeled and tracked variety.

Hands-on

Strong emphasis is placed on practical training with numerous hands-on projects. Graduates should be able to develop enough skills to be hired on as an immediately productive employee—reducing the need for employers to invest further time and resources into training a new apprenticeship candidate.

Course Length

This 34-week program begins the second week of September and is completed the following June. (Includes a work experience practicum).

Admission Requirements

• Completion of Grade 10 with Grade 10 Math and English (Grade 12 with Grade 11 Math, Physics and English recommended).
• Acceptable score on Entry Assessment Test (click here for information on this test).
• Good health
• Mechanical aptitude
• Must have safety boots and glasses
• Must supply and launder your own coveralls
• Must purchase welding gloves and welding hat

Note: Students considering enrolling in Automotive, Heavy Duty and Commercial Transport Vehicle Mechanics programs should be aware that it has been recommended that entry requirements for apprenticeships in these programs be raised from Grade 10 to Grade 12 or equivalent including English 12, or ENGL 060, Math 11, or MATH 051, and Physics 11, or PHYS 050, or Science and Technology 11. The minimum entry prerequisite for the province is currently successful completion of BC grade 10 or equivalent.

Instructor:  Mike Shields
Phone:  250-392-8120
Email:  mshields@tru.ca