Heavy Mechanical Trades Apprenticeship Program

Apprentices work as Heavy Duty Equipment Technicians, Truck and Transport Mechanics, Diesel Engine Mechanics or Transport Trailer Technician Apprentices and come to the VIU heavy mechanical shop for up to 10 weeks each year for technical training. Learn more about the Application Process for Apprenticeship Technical Training.

Each level is associated with 4 to 10 week technical training sessions. The 4 levels of the apprenticeship program are listed below:

HMTA Level 1 (10 weeks)

This training includes the following trades: Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, Truck and Transport Mechanic, Diesel Engine Mechanic, and Transport Trailer Technician.

  • Occupational Skills
  • Brakes, Basic Hydraulics
  • Electrical
  • Frames Steering
  • Suspension and Tracks
  • Trailer
  • Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
  • Structural Components and Accessories

HMTA Level 2 (8 weeks)

This training includes the following trades: Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, Truck and Transport Mechanic, and Diesel Engine Mechanic.

  • Electrical – diagnosing and repair
  • Engines and Supporting Systems Fundamentals – diagnosing and repair

HMTA Level 3 (6 weeks)

This training includes the following trades: Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, and Truck and Transport Mechanic.

  • Power Trains covering the diagnoses and repair of Clutches
  • Manual Transmissions
  • Automated Transmissions
  • Automatic Transmissions
  • Drive Axles
  • Final Drives
  • Retarders
  • Winches
  • Power take offs

HMTA Level 4 (4 weeks)

This training includes the following trades: Heavy Duty Equipment Technician.

  • Diagnose and Repair of Advanced Hydraulics
  • Electrical Drive Systems
  • Track frames
  • Steering
  • Suspension

HMTT Level 4 (4 weeks)

This training includes the following trades: Truck and Transport Mechanic and Transport Trailer Technician.

  • Diagnose and Repair of Advanced Brake System
  • Advanced Hydraulic Systems
  • Hybrid Electrical Systems
  • Truck Hydraulic Assisted Steering Systems

Note: Students who have already successfully completed the Heavy Mechanical Foundation program will receive credit for Level 1 and 450 work-based hours towards their apprenticeship. Students successfully completing the 10-week Level One will receive Level 1 credit only.

Upon successful completion of their technical training, verification of work based training hours, and successful completion of the Interprovincial Exam, students will receive their Red Seal Certification as a Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, Truck and Transport Mechanic or Transport Trailer Technician. Being registered as a Diesel Engine Mechanic and with successful completion of Levels One and Two of the Heavy Mechanical Trades the student will be granted a Certification of Qualification as a Diesel Engine Mechanic.