Why Choose North Island College?

• Career choices. This program gives you the skills to pursue a career as either a heavy duty mechanic Apprentice or as a commercial transport mechanic apprentice, increasing your employability.
• Great instructors. Because of NIC’s well-respected instructional reputation, employers will recognize your skills and accreditations as a mark of quality.
• Use what you know. NIC will consider transfer credit for modules completed in Secondary School Career Preparation and trade programs, and for modules taken at other colleges.
• Industry recognized training. NIC is an Industry Training Authority (ITA) approved training provider for this entry-level program in the Interprovincial (Red Seal) trade of heavy duty equipment mechanic and commercial transport mechanic.

Program Highlights

The entry-level curriculum for both the heavy duty mechanic and commercial transport mechanic trades is covered in detail, thus enabling graduates to enter either specialty. To ensure curriculum remains current and relevant for new employees, NIC is advised by an active local industry advisory committee.

Students learn essential skills in shop safety, work habits, and caring for tools and equipment. Modules cover rigging, loading blocking and moving loads; using hoses, fasteners and fittings; welding; winches and working attachments; brakes; hydraulics; fuel systems; electrical systems; and internal combustion theory, to name a few. Students are also familiarized with record keeping, writing service reports, using trade-specific software and the basic principles of drafting.

To enter the heavy duty trade, you are required to successfully complete a Heavy Duty & Commercial Transport Foundation program (modules).

On successful completion of this program and upon entering into an apprenticeship, graduates are eligible to receive technical training credit and 600 hours of work based credit towards their apprenticeship hours requirement.

Career Opportunities

After completing the Heavy Duty & Commercial Transport Foundation program, you will be prepared to seek an apprenticeship in the heavy duty or commercial transport trade. Prospective employers include heavy duty equipment, truck and bus dealerships, private truck, bus or equipment repair shops, or logging, mining, and construction companies.

Supply List

NIC is pleased to make tools available to students in exchange for a $100 refundable tool deposit, which is not included in your tuition. It will be returned at the end of the term if all tools and tags are returned in an acceptable condition. Tools will not be distributed without proof of payment from the Registration office.

Students are required to provide the following list of supplies, except where items are noted as "optional":

• Safety Glasses (CSA Approved)
• Coveralls
• Steel Toed Safety Boots (WCB Approved)
• Welding Helmet, Goggles, Gloves & Striker
• Padlock Or Combination Lock
• 3-Ring Binder
• Loose-Leaf Paper & Graph Paper
• Pen/Pencil/Highlighter
• Calculator, Recommend Sharp EL-520WBBK
• Text Books and learning guides
  
  *Texts and supplies are available for purchase at the NIC Bookstore 
   

Admission Requirements

1. Minimum C grade in English 11 or TPC 12 or NIC ENG 052 or equivalent; and
2. Minimum C+ grade in Principles of Math 10, Applications of Math 11, A&W 11, Foundations 11, NIC MAT 033, or equivalent (see note below); or 
3. Successful NIC assessment testing in English and Math.

To Be Successful

• Students are encouraged to contact the instructor for an in-person or telephone interview. The purpose of the interview is to provide advice, answer questions about the program and discuss various career fields and choices.
• Many employers require Grade 12 completion as an employment standard. If you do not meet this requirement we encourage you to contact a Student Advisor to discuss upgrading or Grade 12 completion options offered at NIC. In addition to the stated prerequisites secondary school equivalent courses in science, physics, and drafting are considered an asset.
• The most important key to success is the desire to become a quality trades person. The traditional values of hard work, reliability, positive attitude and the desire to do quality work are essential to succeed in the program.
• Prospective students should be aware that trades programs require good hand-eye coordination, good binocular vision, strong abilities in spatial and mechanical reasoning along with good math and communication skills.
• There is also an expectation of physical activities such as lifting, working on ladders and scaffolding or in confined spaces and under various weather conditions. Prospective students should also have the ability to stay focused for prolonged periods.

Program Requirements

• MEH 100 Introduction to Shop Safety
• MEH 101 Describe the Mechanics Trade
• MEH 102 Process Technical Information
• MEH 103 Tools & Equipment
• MEH 104 Rigging, Lifting, Blocking, & Moving Loads
• MEH 105 Use Hoses, Fasteners & Fittings
• MEH 106 Welding
• MEH 107 Operate Equipment
• MEH 108 Winches & Working Attachments
• MEH 109 Brakes
• MEH 110 Hydraulics
• MEH 111 Internal Combustion Theory
• MEH 112 Fluids & Lubricants
• MEH 113 Engine Support Systems
• MEH 114 Gasoline & Alternate Fuels
• MEH 115 Diesel Fuel Systems
• MEH 116 Electrical Systems
• MEH 117 Drive Lines & Drive Axles
• MEH 118 Power Transmission Systems
• MEH 119 Torque Converters & Powershift Transmissions
• MEH 120 Bearings & Seals
• MEH 121 Service Track Type Equipment
• MEH 122 Service Wheel Type Equipment
• MEH 123 Work Habits
• MEH 124 Final Comprehensive Exam
• *OFA 001 WHMIS General
• *OFA 010 Occupational First Aid Level 1

*Note: Students not having current, valid First Aid and WHMIS certification are required to take these courses to meet program requirements. Separate fees will be charged for First Aid and WHMIS.

Completion Requirements

To pass the program you are required to attain a minimum average of 70% across all courses, and a minimum of 70% on the final examination.

Note: Curriculum and certifications may be subject to change as mandated by the ITA. Refer to current bulletins on the ITA website www.itabc.ca