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 |
| Start Dates |
What to expect
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 Requirement
Program-specific
- English 10 or equivalent
- Workplace Math 10 or equivalent
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
- 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
Fall 2026 |
|
|---|---|
| Program Start Date | Sep 2026 |
| Status | Closed |
| Application opens | October 1, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | |
Winter 2027 |
|
| Program Start Date | Feb 2027 |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | February 1, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | October 1, 2026 |
Courses
This program must be completed within two years.| 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 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 |
Year 1 - $1,257 Year 2 - $1,257 Year 3 - $1,257 |
| Student union | $217 | |
| College initiative | $109 | |
| Materials | $366 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | $151 | |
| Laundry | $434 | |
| Medical & Dental | $285 | Provided by Student Union |
| U-Pass | $423 | Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more. |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Coverall deposit | $95 | |
| Total | $5,927 |
* 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 ($300 or $500, depending on program).
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Need help with tuition?
Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.
Technical requirement
How to Apply
Adult applicants:- Apply on EducationPlanner BC
- 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 youthintrades@vcc.ca.
- See the SkilledTradesBC Youth in Trades program website for details.
- VCC offers priority registration and reserved seating for qualified Indigenous applicants to the Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation 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
Contact us
Advising services
Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca
Advising services for International students
Do you have any questions?