Heavy Duty Mechanics

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS (From NIC website)

This entry-level training provides a base of knowledge common in the four heavy mechanical trades: truck and transport mechanic, transport trailer technician, heavy duty equipment technician, and diesel engine mechanic. To ensure curriculum remains current and relevant for new employees, NIC is advised by an active, local industry advisory committee.

You will gain skills to inspect, service, and repair off-highway and transport trucks, buses, diesel engines, transport trailers, cranes, graders, bulldozers and other heavy equipment for safe operation and optimum performance. You will learn essential skills in shop safety, work habits and maintaining tools and equipment. Your training includes rigging, blocking and moving loads; hoses, fasteners and fittings; welding; winches and working attachments; brakes; hydraulics; fuel systems; electrical systems; and internal combustion theory. You will also become familiar with record keeping, writing service reports and using trade-specific software.

On successful completion of this program and upon entering into an apprenticeship, you will be eligible to receive technical training credit for Level 1 and 450 hours of work-based credit toward your apprenticeship.

The Heavy Duty Foundations course is heavily prescribed and there is a wait list.  Applications to the college should be completed well in advance to ensure a seat.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Heavy Duty Mechanics have a wide range of options for employment.  Many work in the field or out of town for logging and mining companies or in town in Heavy Duty Mechanics shops. Heavy Duty Mechanics are one of the more in demand trades based on Labour Market Outlooks, apprenticeship registrations and industry feedback.

Past graduates have worked for companies in town such as;
Courtenay Spring Welding Inc, Forbidden Mechanical, Ironside Contracting Ltd, Leighton Contracting, Shields Industrial

APPRENTICESHIP DETAILS

A Heavy Duty Equipment Technician apprentice must complete a four-year program including 6360 workplace hours and 840 in-school hours of training completed in four levels of training, each ranging from six to ten weeks. After completion and achievement of a passing grade, the apprentice will hold the B.C. Certificate of Apprenticeship, B.C. Certificate of Qualification, and the Inter provincial Standard Endorsement also known as Red Seal.

PROGRAM INFORMATION