Why earn a heavy duty/commercial transport certificate?
Why take this program at UFV?
What type of career can I expect?
Sounds good. What do I need to get in?
What exactly will I learn?
Anything else I need to know?
I'm interested. What should I do next?
When should I apply?
How much does it cost?
Is there an upgrading policy?
Can I speak with someone about my options?
Why earn a heavy duty/commercial transport certificate?
At UFV, we can put you on the road towards a career as a heavy duty, commercial transport, or agriculture technician by teaching you how to service and repair equipment such as trucks, crawler units, and farm tractors.
Why take this program at UFV?
The Heavy Duty/ Commercial Transport program will prepare you for entry into the provincial apprenticeship program, or for entry directly into employment. You’ll get a thorough introduction to the trade, and develop skills expected by today’s demanding employers. 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 and ELTT training programs taught throughout B.C.
What type of career can I expect?
After successfully completing the 10-month program, you will be prepared for employment in the heavy equipment industry. Potential employers include the agriculture industry, mining, oil fields, bus and transportation shops, logging companies, trucking, and heavy equipment and truck shops.
Sounds good. What do I need to get in?
You’ll need your B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent and must pass a math and reading comprehension entrance exam.
What exactly will I learn?
Throughout the program, you must show that you understand the theory by successfully completing a written test for each unit. Your learning materials may include printed handouts, worksheets, videos, display boards, lab manuals, and instruction. You will then need to apply that theory to an acceptable level of practical skills as assigned in that unit.
At regular stages you will be required to move to a shop or lab area to perform various tasks in order to develop your practical skills. As much as possible, study lab and shop instruction are patterned after “on-the-job” situations, where a limited amount of direct supervision is required. Your training will follow a modular system that begins by developing a wide variety of basic skills. You will then build on these skills to develop the intermediate and specialized skills required in this industry.
Sample topics you’ll study include:
- Using specialty equipment
- Starting and moving selected vehicles
- Servicing hydraulic systems
- Servicing truck components
- Servicing track type equipment
- Servicing working attachments
- Servicing gas and diesel engine support systems
- Servicing air-brake systems
- Basic oxy-acetylene and arc welding
- Technical CMNS 115 (three academic credits)
All unit tests and practical assignments must be completed with a passing grade before writing the final exam.
Anything else I need to know?
Working with heavy equipment and machinery can be physically demanding and that’s why a medical statement from a qualified physician may be required at any time before or during the program. You will be notified when a statement is required.
UFV’s Heavy Duty/Commercial Transport program is delivered at the Trades & Technology Center at the Canada Education Park in Chilliwack, which is open 8 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Friday. Class and shops are in session from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm and you must be there continuously through both semesters to successfully complete all requirements for the program. You are expected to attend classes for the duration of the entire program. If you fail to meet the attendance requirements as outlined in the individual program guides, you might be subject to a failing grade or academic warning. It’s also expected that you complete all requirements with a minimum of 70 per cent or better to receive a Credit (CR) grade in order to graduate.
I’m interested. What should I do next?
Checkout UFV’s online calendar at www.ufv.ca/calendar. Read the Heavy Duty/Commercial Transport program information carefully.
Next, you can download an application form and submit it, along with the $45 application fee, to any UFV Admissions and Records office. You can also transmit it through the Internet at www.pas.bc.ca If you’re currently in Grade 12, you can apply now, but we require a statement from your school counsellor or principal indicating that you are likely to meet graduation requirements by June, and this must be presented at the time of your entrance exam appointment. You will be notified of your entrance exam date by the Trades & Technology Center and there is no fee for writing this exam. If you have not been contacted within two weeks of submitting your application, then call us at 604-847-5450. Before classes start, you’ll be called and given all the registration procedures. If we can’t reach you after three attempts, you’ll be removed from the waitlist.
When should I apply?
Applications are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year. Qualified applicants are considered for the next intake in which there is space.
How much does it cost?
The program fees are about $145.59 per week, which includes tuition fees plus 10% for ancillary fees. In addition, each semester (fall and winter) you will have to pay a $30 Student Union Society membership fee, a $35 SUS Capital fee, $4.50 Cascade student newspaper fee, a $3 per semester radio station fee and a $40 U-Pass fee. A health and dental fee of $160 is charged annually in the fall semester to students to provide extended medical and dental insurance. Check with the Student Union Society or at www.IHaveAPlan.ca for details.
You should also budget up to $1200 for basic hand tools, $1000 for required textbooks, and up to $300 for appropriate working apparel. We request a deposit, currently $200, to be paid when you register, which typically takes place one or two months before the start of each semester. The balance of your fees must be paid by the end of the second week of the semester.
Is there an upgrading policy?
You have a busy life and we realize that. That’s where our upgrading program comes in. Our upgrading program allows you, if you’re currently or recently employed in the industry, to complete your certificate requirements or to become proficient in a specific process or technique. As an upgrading student, you are expected to meet program prerequisites through previous enrolment or proof of industry experience that must be approved by the program instructor. And while we’ll welcome you as an upgrading student, you cannot be enrolled for more than 13 weeks. Upgrading students cannot displace anyone registered in the next intake.
Can I speak with someone about my options?
Yes! We want to hear from you! If you’re unsure of your direction, contact Student Services at 1-888-504-7441, ext. 4528 to arrange a tour, attend a "Becoming a Student" info session, connect with an educational advisor, or arrange for career counselling. You can also contact the Trades & Technology Center directly at 604-847-5448 or email trades@ufv.ca to get more details.