Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation

Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation

  • Format: Full Time
  • Offered: Multiple intakes
  • Program Duration: 38 weeks
  • Delivery Location: Kelowna, BC

Program description

This 38-week (1,140 hours) program provides learners with little or no previous experience in the Heavy Duty Mechanic, Commercial Transport Mechanic, Diesel Engine Mechanic, or Transport Trailer Technician trades with the skills necessary to seek employment in the industry. Instruction in theoretical and practical components of all four trades are included, giving students the opportunity to choose to enter any of the four trades as an apprentice. The program includes a two-week industry work placement. Graduates of this program will receive an Okanagan College program certificate, Level 1 Technical Training credit and 450 work-based training hours towards one of the four trades from SkilledTradesBC.

Recommended Student Characteristics

There are a number of physical activities involved in training for a skilled trade, please review the physical activities of the program and the recommended student characteristics as listed below. Okanagan College strives to make all learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience disability related academic barriers (including mental health, chronic or temporary medical conditions), please contact Accessibility Services at your campus so that you can privately discuss options.

Physical activities of the trade:

  • Lift and carry tools, equipment, supplies and materials weighing up to approximately 20 Kgs.
  • Lift, carry, hold and operate hand, air and power tools from below grade to above shoulders
  • Stand on concrete and asphalt for extended periods of time
  • Bend, stoop, kneel and crawl to perform various tasks
  • Working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions

Recommended student characteristics:

  • Good general health and respiratory condition
  • Capable of doing physical work
  • Physical strength and stamina compatible with the handling of heavy equipment and materials Ability to tolerate noise and vibration
  • Good manual dexterity
  • Satisfactory eyesight, line, form and depth perception

Admission Requirements

  • Youth Train in Trades - in grade 12 (all core grad requirements completed apart from CLC A and B, and senior electives)
  • Minimum English 12 or English First Peoples 12 – 67% plus
  • Minimum Workplace Mathematics 11 or Foundations of Mathematics 11 or Pre-Calculus 11 – 67% plus
  • All Core grad requirements completed: 
    • Senior Grad requirements include: English 12 or English First Peoples 12, English 11, Senior Socials, Senior Math (Workplace mathematics or Foundations or Mathematics 11 or Pre-Calculus 11), and a Senior Science 
    • All grade 10 grad requirements.