Camosun expresses its sorrow and stands alongside the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc
Camosun College is horrified by the news that the remains of 215 children have been found in the grounds of the former Kamloops Residential School, which sat on the traditional territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc. Our hearts go out to the families and communities who were and are directly affected by this news and by the original loss of their children. We are all affected. This affirms Camosun’s commitment to redressing the impact of our shared history. In memory of these children, Camosun flags on both campuses will be lowered.
Big equipment is expensive and down time is even more expensive. Skilled mechanics are in constant demand to keep these essential vehicles in top running order for the construction, transportation, mining and forestry industries.
Join our Virtual Trades Information Session
Upon successful completion of the Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation program, you'll possess the full range of basic knowledge of the Heavy Duty, Truck and Transport, Diesel Engine, and Transport Trailer trades.
Upon completion of the foundation program, you will have completed the technical in-school training related to Level 1 apprenticeship in the particular trade. You will possess the abilities and skills required to safely adjust, maintain, and operate the equipment or vehicles related to these trades at a Level 1 apprentice.
Camosun's 39-week full-time Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation program will give you the skills and theory you'll need to enter the trade.
Hands-on learning
As a Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation student you'll inspect and repair heavy trucks, commercial trucks, buses, diesel engines, transport trailers, cranes, graders, drills, bulldozers and other heavy equipment for proper performance.
You'll also service engines and engine support systems, hydraulic systems, pheumatics, and drive trains. Other duties include adjusting equipment, welding and cutting, repairing or replacing defective parts, components, or systems, using hand and power tools and test equipment.
Through this foundation program, you will also participate in three weeks of work experience.
Next up: Apprenticeship
When you graduate, you'll receive equivalent credit for Apprenticeship Level 1 technical training as well as some of the required work-based training hours.
As an apprentice, you will continue to build on your skills in your speciality and gain the practical experience necessary to become fully qualified through Level 2, 3 and 4 to get your ticket in the speciality of your choice.
Employment opportunities
Graduates have found employment in the forestry, mining, fishing, and construction industry or with equipment dealers and manufacturers of heavy equipment. You can also find work in bus or truck repair shops and the commercial truck, bus and van industries.
An investment in your career
Invest in your future! The 39-week Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation program at Camosun College will help you gain the skills required to be successful in a Heavy Mechanical Trades career.
Estimated tuition
Effective from September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022.
Located at the Interurban campus, the Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation is a 39 week program that includes technical training and a work experience component. This program will be of interest to individuals looking for a career as a Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, Truck and Transport Mechanic, Diesel Engine Mechanic or Transport Trailer Technician. The program will cover 36 weeks of ITA Level One learning outcomes in the technical training requirements for all four heavy mechanical trades.
You will also be required to find an employer to complete a three week work experience. (You may be able to apply your work experience towards your apprenticeship hours at the discretion of your Apprenticeship sponsor.)
You should be in good physical health and have good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
All trades programs have a mandatory attendance requirement. If you miss three days in a class, you may be required to withdraw from the course. (Exemptions may be made in exceptional circumstances, at the discretion of the Dean.)
Curriculum & courses
Admission Requirements
Ready to get started? Get your application in for the September intake.
When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the following admission requirements.
Tip: Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.
One of:
C in English 11
C in ENGL 058
And one of:
C in Apprenticeship and Workplace Math 11
C in MATH 038
Note: If you don't have one of the preferred math requirements the college will accept a "C" or higher in Foundations of Math 11, or Pre-Calculus 11, or Principles of Math 11, or Applications of Math 11, or MATH 073 or MATH 137.
For more detailed information about this program and specific admission requirements, see the Academic Calendar.
Camosun College is fiercely proud of the excellent quality of its instruction. Our teaching staff are experienced, inspiring and supportive of our students’ individual journeys.
Faculty/staff profile
Kyle Broad
Chair, Motor Vehicle and Metal Trades
Kyle began his Trades career when he successfully completed the Red Seal apprenticeship program in Automotive Mechanical Repair at Camosun College in ... Read more
Faculty/staff profile
Robert Glover
Program Leader & Instructor, Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation
