Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation
Overview
Work on machines that do the heavy work! Heavy Mechanical vehicles and equipment are expensive and down time is even more expensive. Skilled mechanics are in constant demand to keep these essential working vehicles in top running order for the construction, transportation, transit, mining, and forest industries.
| Tuition | $3,769 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Certificate |
| Length | 9 months |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based |
| Campus | Broadway |
What to expect
Instructional activities throughout the program include hands-on practice in school and the workplace, student-led group discussions and presentations, interactive lectures, work report projects, case studies, reflective journaling, and role-play.
Red Seal Essential Skills for Success are integrated throughout the program.
The program is delivered in the classroom, VCC shop, online, and in the workplace.
What you will learn
- Apply safe work practices and environmental standards
- Perform cutting, welding, and brazing using oxy-acetylene and arc welding processes
- Use tools and fasteners
- Operate equipment and implement electric vehicle safety procedures
- Lift loads, use lubrication and seals, and service under carriage
- Diagnose and service frames, suspension, and steering
- Service and repair hydraulics and service and repair brakes
- Diagnose and service electrical systems and cab structures
- Service and repair Hydraulic and Air Brakes
- Diagnose and service heating and ventilation systems and trailer components
- Service and repair powertrain and diagnose motive power electronics
- Apply professional skills and prepare for employment
Program duration and maximum time for completion
This full-time program is 36 weeks in length. Students have a maximum of 3 years to complete the program.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- English 10 or equivalent
- Workplace Math 10 or equivalent
Learn more about VCC's academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended considerations
- Program tasks require extended periods of standing/walking on concrete floors, as well as frequent movement alternating between standing, bending, kneeling and reaching.
- Learning environment involves work performed in confined spaces while reaching above shoulders.
- Program tasks require frequent lifting and carrying of heavy objects.
- Program activities involve continuous, repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements.
- Program tasks require precise hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Activities may include detailed assembly of parts.
- Program tasks require differentiating colors for reading hydraulic diagrams and wiring.
- Learning environment includes regular exposure to: loud machinery and tools; automotive chemicals, including fuels, oils, coolants, solvents, and other substances; and fumes, dust, and mechanical processes.
- Learning environment includes indoor and outdoor work in various conditions.
Program availability
Winter 2027 |
|
|---|---|
| Program start date | Feb, Apr |
| Status | Closed |
| Application opens | Feb 1, 2026 |
| Application deadline | Oct 1, 2026 |
Fall 2027 |
|
| Program start date | Sep |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | Oct 1, 2026 |
| Application deadline | Jun 1, 2027 |
Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HMEC 1000 | Operational Skills | 6 |
| HMEC 1005 | Heavy Equipment Operation | 2 |
| HMEC 1010 | Shop Resources | 1 |
| HMEC 1015 | Undercarriage and Final Drives | 2 |
| HMEC 1020 | Frames, Suspension and Steering | 3 |
| HMEC 1025 | Heavy Equipment Hydraulics | 3 |
| HMEC 1030 | Electrical, Electronics and EV | 6 |
| HMEC 1035 | Truck and Heavy Equipment Brakes | 3 |
| HMEC 1040 | Trailers, Body Structure and HVAC | 2 |
| HMEC 1045 | Heavy Equipment Powertrain | 7 |
| HMEC 1050 | Heavy Mechanical Exam and Employment Preparation | 1 |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.
This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Fees and costs
| Application fee | $36 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $3,769 |
Term 1 - $1,257 Term 2 - $1,257 Term 3 - $1,257 |
| Student union | $217 | |
| College initiative | $109 | |
| Materials | $366 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | $151 | |
| Laundry | $434 | |
| Medical and dental | $285 | Explore medical insurance options |
| U-Pass | $423 | Get your student transit pass |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Coverall deposit | $95 | |
| Total | $5,930 |
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit.
Refund policies vary for domestic and international students. Review the applicable policy for eligibility, deadlines, and refund amounts.
Need help with tuition?
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Technical requirement
How to apply
Youth applications (high school students in grade 10 and 11):
Applicants do not apply to VCC directly. Interested students, teachers and counsellors should contact the Career Program Coordinator or Administrator for their school district. The Program Coordinator and applicant complete the Youth in Trades Application and return to [email protected].
See the SkilledTradesBC Youth in Trades program website for details.
NOTE: Adults and youth may be in classes together.
Adult applications: see below.
Indigenous applicants:
VCC offers priority registration and reserved seating for qualified Indigenous applicants to the program. For more information on priority registration, support with pre-admission program planning, band funding, and help gathering education records and transcripts, please contact an Indigenous Engagement Advisor
Ready to apply?
Online
You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.
Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5
International students
Apply to VCC international programs online. Check the availability status for your desired program and intake before applying.
Contact us
Advising services
Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: [email protected]
Advising services for International students
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