Truck and Transport Mechanic

Program Overview

The Truck and Transport Mechanic program at Thompson Rivers University prepares students for a career diagnosing, repairing, and servicing highway buses and trucks. The program emphasizes hands-on training with industry-standard equipment and is offered as both a Foundation program and an Apprenticeship program. Graduates are qualified for jobs at commercial transport vehicle dealers, garages, and service stations.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Truck and Transport Mechanic program at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) prepares students to diagnose, repair, and service highway buses and trucks. Graduates are qualified to work for commercial transport vehicle dealers, garages, and service stations. The program focuses on the mechanical, electrical, and electronic components of vehicles, including:

• Fuel systems
• Brake systems
• Steering and suspension systems
• Transmission systems
• Emission control and exhaust systems
• Cooling and climate control systems
They also gain experience working on mechanical and electronic components and performing scheduled maintenance tasks like oil changes and tune-ups.

Outline:

The program is offered as both a Foundation program and an Apprenticeship program.

Heavy Mechanical Foundation Program:

• Duration: 32 weeks
• Content:
• Heavy duty equipment technician training
• Diesel engine mechanic training
• Truck and transport mechanic training
• Unique Features:
• Instructors are OEM trained and certified Red Seal technicians.
• Students work on a variety of on and off-road trucks and equipment, as well as the latest training simulators.
• Small class sizes allow for personalized attention.
• Outcomes:
• Heavy Mechanical Foundation Certificate of Completion
• In-school technical training required for Level 1 apprenticeships in Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, Diesel Engine Mechanic, Transport Trailer Technician, and Truck and Transport Mechanic.
• 450 hours of work-based training time towards Level 1 apprenticeships in the aforementioned trades.

Apprenticeship Program:

• Levels: 1, 2, 3, and 4
• Content:
• Common training for Levels 1 through 3, followed by Level 4 trade-specific training.
• Apprentices register with SkilledTradesBC and attend required technical training at TRU.
• Duration:
• Level 1: 300 hours delivered over 10 weeks
• Level 2: 240 hours delivered over 8 weeks
• Level 3: 180 hours delivered over 6 weeks
• Level 4: 120 hours delivered over 4 weeks
• Technical Training Requirements:
• Truck and Transport Mechanic (TTM):
Red Seal Level 1, 2, 3; Heavy Mechanical Trades (HMT) Level 4
• Heavy Duty Equipment Technician (HDET):
Red Seal Level 1, 2, 3; Heavy Mechanical Trades (HMT) Level 4
• Diesel Engine Mechanic (DEM):
C of Q Level 1, 2; Heavy Mechanical Trades (HMT) Note: Registration in this trade is at SkilledTradesBC only. Apprentices complete the HMT levels at TRU.

Teaching:

• Faculty:
• Lyle Hirowatari: Holds Heavy Duty Mechanics and Part Person Red Seal qualifications, Provincial Instructor Diploma, and certifications in forklift/aisle truck instruction, CVSE inspection, and LPG/CNG installation.
• Kyle Doiron
• Brad Kozubski
• Unique Approaches:
• Instructors are experienced and certified professionals in the field.
• Hands-on learning with a variety of equipment and simulators.
• Small class sizes allow for personalized instruction.

Careers:

• Opportunities:
• Commercial transport vehicle dealers
• Garages
• Service stations
• Fleet maintenance
• Emergency repair
• Outcomes:
• Journeyperson status in Truck and Transport Mechanic
• High demand for skilled mechanics
• Lucrative career with personal and financial rewards

Other:

• Work Environment:
• Many commercial mechanics work outside in various weather conditions.
• Some work is performed within shops.
• Required Tools and Materials:
• Apprentices must purchase required textbooks, provincial competency manuals, and safety gear.
• Students are responsible for tuition fees.