Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation Certificate

This certificate provides foundational, Level 1 technical training shared across four heavy mechanical trades: Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, Diesel Engine Mechanic, Truck and Transport Mechanic, and Transport Trailer Technician. Delivered full-time and in-person over 36 weeks at the Campbell River campus with a winter intake, it is designed as an entry point for students who have not yet secured an employer sponsor. On completion, and once a student registers as an apprentice, the program carries forward credit for Level 1 technical training and 450 hours of work-based credit toward whichever of the four trades the student pursues. Coursework covers rigging, brakes and hydraulics, fuel and electrical systems, internal combustion theory, welding, and shop practices including safety, tool care, trade-specific software, record keeping and service report writing. The program is open to domestic applicants, with priority admission for Indigenous students, and requires no employer sponsorship to enrol. It suits students seeking a first, broad grounding in heavy equipment maintenance before specializing and registering as an apprentice toward SkilledTradesBC Red Seal certification in one of the four trades.