Get your Heavy Mechanical Certification
The Heavy Mechanical trade has four streams of qualifications. The two main streams consist of four levels of training with ten weeks for Level 1, eight weeks for Level 2, six weeks for Level 3, and four weeks for Level 4.
In Level 4, you have to the option to specialize in either Truck and Transport Mechanic (Commercial Transport) or Heavy Duty Equipment Technician. After completion of your Level 4 apprenticeship, you should be prepared to write the Interprovincial Examination leading to final Red Seal certification. UFV offers all 4 Levels of training. Upon successful completion of your 4 levels of training you will earn your Heavy Mechanical Red Seal certification as designated under Skilled Trades BC Interprovincial Red Seal program. Earning your certification marks you as a skilled worker, opening job opportunities for you across Canada.
The other two streams of training are the Transport Trailer Trade and the Diesel Engine Trade. Both of these streams are two year apprenticeship trades; however, only the Transport Trailer Trade is Interprovincial Red Seal Certified. The Diesel Engine Trade is a certificate of qualification.
The Transport Trailer Trade stream begins at the Heavy Mechanical Foundations level and once you complete the program and the required hours with your employer you will return to a training provider to complete your second level of training which will consist of four weeks.
For the Diesel Engine Trade stream you will complete the Level 1 apprenticeship or the Heavy Mechanical Foundations program and once you complete the required hours with your employer you will return to a training provider to complete your second level of training which will consist of eight weeks.
Please confirm with your employer which stream of training you require as they will know which one you need for the type of work you are involved in. Once you confirm the stream you will need to register properly with Skilled Trades BC who will adjust your profile accordingly.
If you are not currently working as a Heavy Mechanical Technician, you will need to enroll in UFV's Heavy Mechanical Foundation program to gain the entry-level skills needed to secure employment. As a graduate of the program, you get advanced apprenticeship placement when you find an employer to sponsor you.