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Study Trades & Apprenticeship Heavy Duty Truck Technology

Heavy Duty Truck Technology

Diploma Full-time/Cooperative Education School of Transportation

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Overview

Fall 2021 delivery mode: blended

  • This program will be delivered for the fall semester as a combination of online and on-campus learning. While some of your coursework will take place online, there will also be in-person sessions.
  • Faculty will notify students of when their attendance on campus will be required.
  • We have put measures in place for your safety and well-being, ensuring that all safety protocols are addressed. Please see the BCIT COVID-19 page for details on the mandatory procedures that have been implemented.

Your education is our priority and we will continue to deliver the applied instruction, collaborative experience, and industry connections that you expect from BCIT.

This diploma program prepares you for apprenticeship with the latest heavy duty truck technologies (HDTT). Learn about, and work with, the future of transportation while gaining manufacturer level certifications. Courses are delivered in-class, online and in the shop, just as they are by major employers in the industry. This innovative program includes management courses to ensure you are ready for many high-demand positions and advancement opportunities.

Support from major manufacturers is achieved through study of their online course materials, specific engines and products. In depth diagnostic skills are achieved through this program, going beyond the National Red Seal Occupational Standards and B.C. curriculum with courses including: electric vehicle propulsion, fuel cells, power generation, A/C motor control and mobile refrigeration.

The program

This program has four technical training terms plus one 15-week paid co-op work term, providing more time spent per topic than traditional heavy duty truck apprenticeship training.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a Heavy Duty Truck Technology Diploma and qualify for credit towards the first three levels of the technical training requirements in the provincial common core heavy mechanical trades apprenticeship: heavy duty equipment technician, truck transport mechanic, transport trailer technician, diesel engine mechanic, and up to 900 hours of time in trade requirement.

Entrance Requirements

Advanced Placement

Costs & Supplies

Courses

Program Details

Graduating & Jobs

Be ready for a career with major industry employers in a variety of positions, which could include:

  • Red Seal heavy duty or commercial transport technician
  • generator technician
  • parts person
  • service advisor
  • roles in service management

This program will fast track your career. If you have some mechanical experience and work history, an ability to relate to highly technical content, and a desire to engage with industry, this is the program you have been looking for.

Faculty, Advisors & Staff

Advisory committee

  • Cummins Western Canada
  • Cullen Western Star
  • Douglas Lake Equipment
  • First Truck
  • Peterbilt Pacific
  • Kiewit
  • Coldfront
  • Power West Industries
  • Westerra
  • Williams Machinery

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I apply to the HDTT program without withdrawing from the HMTF waitlist? The system does not allow me to have two active applications.

A: You will need to contact the Admissions Office directly at 604-432-8899  or admissions@bcit.ca. Please include in the email that it is for the “Cross Recruitment” for HDTT program while being waitlisted to the HMTF program.

Q: I’m currently on the HMTF waitlist, how do I get the fee waiver for HDTT application?

A: If you are on the HMTF waitlist, you do not need to pay the application fee when applying to the HDTT program. A fee waiver will be added to your application. Please contact the Admissions Office directly at 604-432-8899 or admissions@bcit.ca.

Q: Can I still apply if I haven’t taken the Mechanical Reasoning Assessment yet?

A: Applicants must meet all entrance requirements. If you are uncertain or don’t meet the requirements, we strongly recommend you complete any applicable Trades Entry Assessments before applying.

Q: Must I have a minimum of 12 months of work or industry experience to apply?

A: No this is not mandatory but is beneficial if you have some industry experience. Experienced applicants will do well in this program due to the fast pace of program delivery.

Q: I have 2 years experience of working on my own car, and have taken two semesters of general automotive course from high school, would this be sufficient in applying to the HDTT program?

A: Yes. Two years of working in automotive will give you all the basic knowledge you need to become a successful applicant for this program.

Q: Is the admission process for HDTT diploma more competitive than the HMTF program?

A: Yes this is a competitive entry program model. Applicants must meet all entrance requirements. Once you are reviewed and deemed eligible by the Admissions Office, the department review will occur.

An interview will be arranged during the department review process. If you are a successful candidate, an offer of acceptance will be issued by the Admissions Office. If you are on the HMTF waitlist, we ask all applicants to remain on the waitlist until the department decision is made.

Q: Is the HDTT diploma a little more advanced than the HMTF program? What are the major differences between these two programs?

A: Yes. HMTF teaches everything from ground up and covers all of the content in level 1 of the apprenticeship program and some basic BC curriculum outcomes. 450 hours of time is awarded to graduates towards completion of the 4-year apprenticeship.

HDTT diploma is a faster paced program, but less intense than the Apprenticeship program. It delivers the first three levels of common core apprenticeship training, and includes enhanced courses, and some applied academic courses. The co-op work term provides another 450 work-based hours, so each graduate will gain 900 hours of work experience towards completion of their 4-year apprenticeship program. This program is a balance in between foundation and apprenticeship training as it is fast paced and perfect for those with some prior experience and having the ability to absorb information at a faster rate than those entering the foundation program. For detailed course information, please check the program page: https://www.bcit.ca/study/programs/1855dipma.

Q: There is a course of CVSE/CVSA Vehicle Inspections in HDTT term 4, is this a ticket?

A: This course is designed to provide practical experience in performing vehicle inspections, and completing reports on all class of vehicles, with pressure fuels and electric drivetrains. Students must wait until they are journey persons before they can take the vehicle inspectors course and receive their certification.

Q: Do I need to purchase my own tools?

A: Yes. You will need your own tools before going into the Co-op term, and after graduation. There are deep discounts offered by tool suppliers while you are a BCIT student.

Q: What are the employment prospects for the diploma students, considering the shift to electric vehicles?

A: The prospects are very good, as electric vehicles will still require repairs and maintenance to these systems, along with all the basic steering, suspension, braking, electrical, hydraulic portions of the vehicles. Diesel powered trucks, and equipment with internal combustion engines will be around for a long time. The nature of work changes with modern electric drive systems, but the work is still there. Increasing use of technology for diagnostics, and for data systems will create career pathways upon graduation.

Q: My goal is to become a heavy-duty mechanic. Will this program prepare me to be a HD mechanic?

A: Yes, this will also work for students seeking the heavy-duty mechanics pathway, as the first three levels of apprenticeship in BC are common core (the same) for all four trades that are serviced by this apprenticeship system in BC.

Q: Can a truck and transport mechanic work as a diesel engine mechanic and as a transport trailer technician or would they have to go back to school to get certification?

A: Yes, a truck and transport mechanic can work as a diesel engine mechanic and as a transport trailer technician. Truck and Transport Mechanic is a higher certification than diesel engine mechanic, or transport trailer technician, and therefor covers all three trade qualifications.

Q: I believe HMTF leads to a red seal at the end of the final term of apprenticeship training, so does HDTT have the similar final term?

A: Yes. All programs lead to be eligible to write for your Red Seal at the end of your training periods. After completing your 4th level of apprenticeship training, you will be writing the Red Seal in the trade you are enrolled in (by your employer: Heavy Duty, or Truck and Transport Mechanic, or Transport Trailer Technician). Diesel engine certification is a trade qualification in B.C.

Contact Us

Bruce Thompson
Chief Instructor
Bruce_Thompson@bcit.ca
604-451-6818

Tony Upton
Chief Instructor
AUpton@bcit.ca
778-331-1731

Questions or comments?

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