Applied and Technical Studies
ufv.ca/tradesUFV can put students on the road towards a career as a heavy duty, commercial transport, or agriculture technician by teaching them how to service and repair equipment such as trucks, crawler units, and farm tractors. The Heavy Mechanical Foundation program will prepare students for entry into the provincial apprenticeship program, or for entry directly into employment. Students will develop skills needed to work in the trade.
Theory and shop procedures are set up to simulate job conditions, so punctuality and good work habits are essential. This program exceeds the provincial standards of Foundation programs taught throughout B.C.
UFV allows secondary school students to complete this program through a concurrent studies model during their Grade 12 year. For more information, students should contact their district/school career counsellor. Students may also contact the UFV Trades & Technology Centre at 604-847-5448 or email trades@ufv.ca.
After successfully completing the program, students will be prepared for employment in the equipment industry. Potential employers include logging, trucking, bus companies, mining, and agricultural shops.
Secondary school graduation is strongly recommended for career success. In addition to UFV’s general university admission requirements, which include the English language proficiency requirement, students must meet the following entrance requirements for admission.
Note: Students who have not been in any schooling for more than three years are strongly advised to take the recommended mathematics assessment test to determine level of preparedness. The assessment test may identify areas that require strengthening to optimize the opportunities for program success. In most cases, upgrading can be taken simultaneously with the program.
Note: Students may also present English 12, English Literature 12, English 12 First Peoples, AP English, IB English A (standard level or higher level), or out-of-province equivalent.
Applications are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year. Qualified applicants are considered for the next intake in which there is space. See Continuous application process for more information.
Applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be admitted in order of their application date. This date is set when an application, all required documentation, and the application fee have been submitted.
See the Fees and Other Costs section and the Program-specific fees webpage. Heavy Mechanical Foundation students should also budget for tools, textbooks, and appropriate working apparel.
Note: A deposit (currently $200) must be paid at the time of registration, which typically takes place three months before the start of the program.
A medical statement from a qualified physician may be required at any time before or during the program. Students will be notified by a UFV official if/when the statement is required.
The Heavy Mechanical Foundation program starts in September and ends the following May.
The Heavy Mechanical Foundation program requires continuous attendance to successfully complete all requirements for the program. Students will be expected to attend all scheduled classes for the duration of the entire program.
Students must meet the attendance requirements as outlined in their individual program guides. See UFV's Attendance policy (62).
The Heavy Mechanical Foundation program is located at the Trades & Technology Centre at the Canada Education Park in Chilliwack, which is open 8am–4pm, Monday to Friday. Classes and shops may be scheduled 7am–4pm, Monday to Friday.
Students must show that they understand the theory by successfully completing a written test for each unit and then applying it to an acceptable level of practical skills as assigned in that unit. The learning materials may include home access to the internet, printed handouts, worksheets, video clips, display boards, lab manuals, and instruction.
At regular stages students will be required to move to a shop or lab area to perform various tasks in order to develop their practical skills. As much as possible, study lab and shop instruction is patterned after on-the-job situations, where a limited amount of direct supervision is required.
The training follows a modular system that begins by developing a wide variety of basic skills, and builds on these to develop intermediate and specialized skills required in this industry.
All unit tests and assigned practicals must be completed with a passing grade before writing the final exam, which is scheduled in May.
The Heavy Mechanical Apprenticeship program is designed for people already working in the trade and registered with SkilledTradesBC. UFV offers all four levels of technical training.
Level 1 — 10 weeks
Level 2 — 8 weeks
Level 3 — 6 weeks
Level 4 — 4 weeks
These sessions are necessary to achieve journeyperson certification along with the appropriate on-the-job training. For information call 604-847-5448 or email trades@ufv.ca.
Students must complete all requirements with a grade of 70% or better to receive a Credit (CR) grade in order to graduate.
Students who do not receive a Credit (CR) grade in all required areas by the program end date, may apply to their instructor for re-entry into the program. Students who reapply may register as upgrading students and must complete all program requirements no later than the program end date of the following year. See Upgrading section for more details.
Unacceptable academic performance may, at the discretion of the instructor, include poor attendance, slow progress in theory and practical tasks, and/or lack of satisfactory participation in class activities. See UFV's Attendance policy (62).
Applied and Technical Studies students are expected to conduct themselves in a mature and responsible manner, and will be held responsible for their actions, whether acting alone or in group. See UFV's Student Academic Misconduct policy (70) and Safe Student Learning Community policy (204).
If a student wishes not to continue, they will need to initiate a withdrawal at the Office of the Registrar.
Failed grades may result in withdrawal from the program. Students may be required to withdraw from a course or program for failing to comply with attendance, conduct, or program policies, or UFV policies including: Attendance policy (62), Student Academic Misconduct policy (70), Safe Student Learning Community policy (204).
The upgrading program allows those currently or recently employed in the industry to complete their certificate requirements or to become proficient in specific processes or techniques.
An upgrading student will be enrolled for no more than 13 weeks. Upgrading students will not displace anyone registered in the next intake.
Upgrading students are expected to meet program prerequisites through previous enrolment or proof of industry experience approved by the program instructor.
Students who begin a Trades program, but withdraw before completing the program, may contact the department to request re-entry to the program provided their absence is less than two years. Re-entry is conditional based on space availability and instructor permission, and if the curriculum has not changed.
Students who are absent for more than one year will be required to apply for readmission. An application for admission form and application fee will be required.
Students must apply for graduation in the first month of their final semester. Visit the Graduation webpage for more information. The final deadline for students who wish to attend the June Convocation ceremony is April 1 of each year.