This program consists of levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 Apprenticeship Technical Training. Upon completion of this course, students will be capable of working in the Heavy Duty, Truck and Transport, Diesel Engine, or Transport Trailer repair industry.
The Heavy Mechanical Technical training encompasses the following four trades:
- Transport Trailer Technicians maintain, rebuild, overhaul, recondition, complete diagnostic troubleshooting and repair commercial truck trailers.
- Diesel Engine Mechanics install, repair and maintain all internal combustion diesel engines and components used in transport, construction and marine.
- Truck and Transport Mechanics diagnose, repair and service highway buses and trucks. They work for commercial transport vehicle dealers, garages and service stations. A Commercial Transport Vehicle Mechanic is designated as a Truck and Transport Mechanic under the Interprovincial Red Seal program. These mechanics work on the mechanical, and electrical components of vehicles. This includes fuel, brake, steering and suspension, transmission, emission control and exhaust, and cooling and climate control systems. Some mechanics specialize in one or more of these systems.
- Heavy Duty Equipment Technicians overhaul, repair and service equipment such as graders, loaders, shovels, tractors, trucks, forklifts, drills, and wheeled and tracked vehicles. Working from manufacturers’ specifications, they identify and repair problems in structural, mechanical, or hydraulic systems. Heavy Duty Equipment Technicians work on industrial and construction vehicles, mining trucks, bulldozers, heavy equipment used in construction, forestry, materials handling, landscaping, land clearing, buses, and large trucks.
The information on this program page is a summary of the official Program Information and Completion Guide approved by NLC’s Education Council.
Career Prospects
Truck and Transport/Heavy Duty /Transport Trailer/Diesel Engine service technician, sales or parts technician, parts or sales manager, business or dealership owner, college instructor, and with further training, a mechanical engineer.
Details
Intakes
| Location | Level | Starting | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort St John | 1 | September 2026 | Cohort |
| Fort St John | 1 | April 2027 | Cohort |
| Fort St John | 2 | April 2026 | Cohort |
| Fort St John | 2 | September 2026 | Cohort |
| Fort St John | 2 | January 2027 | Cohort |
| Fort St John | 3 | March 2026 | Cohort |
| Fort St John | 3 | February 2027 | Cohort |
| Fort St John | 4 (Heavy Duty) | January 2026 | Cohort |
| Fort St John | 4 (Heavy Duty) | November 2026 | Cohort |
Length
Level 1 is 300 hours; approximately 10 weeks long.
Level 2 is 240 hours; approximately 8 weeks long.
Level 3 is 180 hours; approximately 6 weeks long.
Level 4 (Heavy Duty) is 150 hours; approximately 5 weeks long.
Level 4 (Truck and Transport) is 150 hours; approximately 5 weeks long.
Estimated Program Fees
Program fee type: Trades/Apprenticeship (Tier 2)
Costs indicated are estimates for a full-time course load.
Book, instruments, supplies, uniforms/clothing and third-party fees are additional.
Domestic Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $ 1,068.00 | $ 74.09 | $ 109.01 | $ 1,251.10 |
| Level 2 | $ 854.40 | $ 71.09 | $ 109.01 | $ 1,034.50 |
| Level 3 | $ 640.80 | $ 68.09 | $ 109.01 | $ 817.90 |
| Level 4 (Heavy Duty) | $ 534.00 | $ 66.59 | $ 105.42 | $ 706.01 |
| Level 4 (Truck and Transport) | $ 534.00 | $ 66.59 | $ 103.36 | $ 703.95 |
International Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees | International Medical Insurance | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $ 4,413.00 | $ 78.21 | $ 125.42 | $ 289.80* | $ 4,906.43 |
| Level 2 | $ 3,530.40 | $ 75.21 | $ 125.42 | $ 289.80* | $ 4020.83 |
| Level 3 | $ 2,647.80 | $ 72.21 | $ 125.42 | $ 289.80* | $ 3,135.23 |
| Level 4 (Heavy Duty) | $ 2,206.50 | $ 70.71 | $ 121.30 | $ 289.80* | $ 2,688.31 |
| Level 4 (Truck and Transport) | $ 2,206.50 | $ 70.71 | $ 118.92 | $ 289.80* | $ 2,685.93 |
*Per four months
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Admission Requirements
Must be an active registered apprentice in BC, and follow the sequence of training as indicated in the program credentialing chart posted on Skilled Trades BC.
Important Notes
- The program is not eligible for Canada Student Loans.
- Students must provide personal protective equipment (footwear having CSA safety-toe protection, gloves, coveralls and CSA safety glasses with clear lenses). Students are required to have a computer (laptop or other mobile device) with minimum computer requirements.
- The program is affiliated with SkilledTradesBC.
Program Requirements
| Residency Requirement | 100% of each level must be completed at Northern Lights College or by approval of the Dean |
|---|---|
| Minimum Grade Requirements | 70% minimum in all courses |
Levels:
- HMTA 100 – Heavy Mechanical Trades Level 1 (300 contact hours)
- HMTA 200 – Heavy Mechanical Trades Level 2 (240 contact hours)
- HMTA 300 – Heavy Mechanical Trades Level 3 (180 contact hours)
- HDTA 400 – Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Level 4 (150 contact hours)
- HDTA 401 – Truck and Transport Mechanic Level 4 (150 contact hours)
Credential
Training results are reported to SkilledTradesBC