Overview
The program
This 36-week foundation program provides you with the theoretical understanding as well as practical skills needed to become proficient in basic mechanical maintenance and repair of heavy mechanical trades. You will become familiar with servicing hydraulic systems, air brakes, winches, blades and accessories.
Entrance Requirements
Application processing
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Entrance requirements
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first qualified basis as long as space remains. When available intakes are full, qualified applicants are wait-listed.
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements prior to applying to this program. If you are uncertain or don't meet the requirements we strongly recommend you complete any applicable Trades Entry Assessments before applying.
- English language proficiency: one of:
- Category 3 – English Studies 12 (50%) or equivalent or
- BCIT English Trades Entry Assessment
- Math: one of the following:
- Foundations of Math and Pre-Calculus 10 (50%) or
- Workplace Math 10 (50%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
- BCIT Math Trades Entry Assessment
Continuation requirements
- Students who wish to attend apprentice technical training must register as an apprentice with SkilledTradesBC.
- Foundation program students can register in the Heavy Mechanical Trades Apprenticeship programs.
Recommended for success
High school graduation is recommended by SkilledTradesBC. Please refer to the SkilledTradesBC website for current apprenticeship prerequisite information.
A driver's licence is not required to enter the program. However, it is strongly recommended in order to move vehicles in and out of the shops.
Potential students with medical or physical disabilities should contact Accessibility Services to arrange an interview with the institute's rehabilitation specialist at 604-451-6963 (telephone interview is acceptable for out of town applicants).
Trades Discovery
The Trades Discovery General and Trades Discovery for Women are full-time programs designed to prepare participants to successfully enter and complete a Trades Training program.International applicants
This program is available to international applicants.
Study permit: A valid BCIT study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Please note that international students are not eligible to continue to an apprenticeship training program. To learn more about international student opportunities at BCIT, visit BCIT International.
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
Multiple start dates each year.myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition fees, visit Full-Time Studies Tuition & Fees.
Books & supplies
$905 (general estimated cost, subject to change)
CSA approved safety glasses and footwear required. Footwear must be steel-toed, leather, ankle covering boots.
Students will be required to supply their own coveralls. A supply of coveralls are available through the BCIT Bookstore. Please check the uniform authorization voucher [PDF] to determine the type of coveralls required for your program.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Courses
Class hours
0630 - 1430, Monday to Thursday or Tuesday to Friday, depending on the start date.
Program matrix
| Required Courses: | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| HMTF 1001 | Workplace Safety | 2.0 | |
| HMTF 1002 | Employability Skills | 1.5 | |
| HMTF 1003 | Tools and Equipment | 7.5 | |
| HMTF 1004 | Welding | 3.5 | |
| HMTF 1005 | Operation of Equipment | 5.0 | |
| HMTF 1006 | Brakes | 12.0 | |
| HMTF 1007 | Hydraulics | 4.5 | |
| HMTF 1008 | Electricity | 7.5 | |
| HMTF 1009 | Suspension and Steering | 9.5 | |
| HMTF 1010 | Trailer | 4.0 | |
| HMTF 1011 | Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning | 2.0 | |
| HMTF 1012 | Engine and Supporting Systems | 6.5 | |
| HMTF 1013 | Powertrain | 6.0 | |
| HMTF 1014 | Structural Components and Accessories | 0.5 | |
| Total Credits: | 72.0 | ||
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
Program length
36 weeks, full-time
Grading
The passing grade in each course is 70%. All courses must be passed in order to successfully complete the program.
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Annacis Island Campus
1608 Cliveden Avenue
Delta, British Columbia
V3M 6M2
SkilledTradesBC
BCIT transfers the student's name, contact information, Personal Education Number (PEN), and the name and date of the completed Foundation program to SkilledTradesBC. This information is used for the purposes of tracking successful completions in order to grant credit towards apprenticeship where applicable, and communicating with trainees to promote continuation in an apprenticeship program.Continue your education
Students who complete the Heavy Mechanical Trade Foundation program will receive technical training credit for Apprenticeship level 1 and 450 work-based hours credit toward completion of the Heavy Duty Equipment Technician apprenticeship program.
Graduating & Jobs
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2021-2023 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2020-2022 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
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Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.