Heavy Duty Mechanical Trades

The SD38 Youth Train in Trades Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation program provides students an opportunity to explore and develop job ready skills in the trade. Students in this 36-week program will learn to diagnose, repair, and recondition equipment powered by combustion engines or electricity.  This includes learning to work on brake systems, frames, steering and suspensions, HVAC systems and engines and drivetrain components. 

Students must be able to commute to the VCC Broadway campus (Mon-Wed) to attend class that starts at 7am.  It is recommended that students have a driver’s license and a solid plan for commuting to class. Successful students will achieve the first of four levels towards their Red Seal certification. 

Students in this trade find work with equipment dealers and manufacturers, in transit repair facilities, and in commercial truck and trailer repair shops in a variety of industries, such as forestry, mining, marine, mobile crane, and construction. The Foundation program prepares students for entry level positions as apprentices into the four Heavy Mechanical trades:

• Diesel Engine Mechanic (DEM)
• Heavy Duty Equipment Technician (HDET)
• Truck and Transport Mechanic (TTM)
• Transport Trailer Technician (TTT)