This program consists of the SkilledTrades – Heavy Mechanical Trades – Foundation training and a 2 week, mandatory work experience placement.
There are four mechanical trades paths introduced in this program:
- 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, electrical and electronic components of vehicles. This includes the 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 also work on industrial and construction vehicles, such as mining trucks and bulldozers; on heavy equipment used in construction, forestry, materials handling, landscaping, and land clearing; as well as on buses and large trucks.
- Diesel Engine Mechanics install, repair, and maintain all internal combustion diesel engines and components as used in transport, construction, and marine industries.
- Transport Trailer Technicians maintain, rebuild, overhaul, recondition and perform diagnostic troubleshooting and repair of commercial truck trailers.
There is a reading week in this program typically at the end of February.
The information on this program page is a summary of the official Program Information and Completion Guide approved by NLC’s Education Council, effective September 2026. (Current Program Information and Completion Guide)
Career Prospects
Truck and Transport/Heavy Duty /Transport Trailer/Diesel Engine service technician, sales or parts, parts or sales manager, business or dealership owner, or college instructor.
Details
Intakes
Length
970 hours; approximately 34 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 3,453.20 | $ 166.68 | $ 493.30 | $ 4,113.18 |
International Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees | International Medical Insurance | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 14,269.00 | $ 174.92 | $ 567.55 | $ 289.80* | $ 15,301.27 |
*Per four months
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Admission Requirements
Complete one of A, B, or C:
A. English and Math
English Requirement
One of the following:
- BC Language Arts 10 Courses – 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C+, or equivalent.
- BC Language Arts 11 Courses – 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C+, or equivalent.
- BC Language Arts 12 Courses – 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C+, or equivalent.
- ENGL 030 or higher, with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.
- IELTS score of 5.5 overall with no band less than 5.0 or equivalent English placement test and score.
Math Requirement
One of the following:
- BC Math 10 with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent
- BC Math 11 with a minimum final grade of C, or equivalent
- BC Math 12 with a minimum final grade of C, or equivalent
- MATH 030 or higher, with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.
B. ESTR 037
Complete:
- ESTR 037 – Essential Skills for Trades – Intermediate Level (with a minimum final grade of 67%.
C. POWER
Complete:
- People Obtaining Workplace Employment Requirements (POWER) program
Post-Admission Requirements
For students in Dawson Creek: NLC’s South Peace campus is connected to the Dawson Creek High school – South Peace Campus. Therefore the Criminal Records Review Act requires that all NLC students over the age of 19 must submit a clearance letter from the Criminal Records Review Program (CRRP) for a Schedule B Criminal Record Check (CRC): WORKS WITH children or WORKS WITH Children and Vulnerable Adults, before classes begin. The cleared CRC must be received by NLC one month prior to the start of the program. Failure to provide a cleared CRC by the deadline may result in dismissal from the program. For information and regulations, see Criminal Records Checks.
Fort St John students do not require a CRC.
Important Notes
- The program is eligible for Canada Student Loans. Visit Student Aid BC to apply for financial assistance online. Note that dual credit students are not eligible for Student Aid.
- Students must provide personal protective equipment (footwear having CSA safety-toe protection 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 and School Districts 60, 59, 81 and 87.
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 |
All of:
- HMTF 102 – Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation (910 contact hours)
- HMTF 150 – Foundation Work Practicum (60 contact hours)
Credential
Certificate in Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation