Overview
The Diploma of Technology in Heavy Duty Truck Technology is a full-time 20-month program with a co-operative education component that prepares students for apprenticeship and provides manufacturer-level certifications.
About the program
With four technical training terms plus one 15-week paid co-op work term, the Heavy Duty Truck Technology program provides more time spent per topic than traditional heavy duty truck apprenticeship training.
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 high-demand positions as well as advancement opportunities.
Major manufacturers ensure students learn on the latest technologies and support our training by sharing their online course materials as well as specific engines and products. In-depth diagnostic skills are achieved through this program, going beyond the National Red Seal Occupational Standards and BC curriculum with courses including electric vehicle propulsion, fuel cells, power generation, A/C motor control, and mobile refrigeration.
What grads can do
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.
For more information
Discover the answers to your burning questions by watching the video below, where a recent information session has been recorded:
Entrance Requirements
Application processing
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Entrance requirements
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first qualified basis as long as space remains. When available intakes are full, qualified applicants are wait-listed.
If you are uncertain or don’t meet the requirements, we strongly recommend you complete any applicable Trades Entry Assessments before applying.
Step 1: Meet the following entrance requirements
- English: two years of education in English in an English-speaking country with one of the following:
- English Studies 12 (50%) or
- English First Peoples 12 (50%) or
- Acceptable equivalent high school course or
- 3.0 credits of post-secondary English, humanities or social sciences (50%) from a recognized institution or
- BCIT English Trades Entry Assessment (for applicants who have two years of education in an English-speaking country only)
What if I don’t meet these English requirements? - Math: one of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 11 (50%) or
- Foundations of Math 11 (50%) or
- Workplace Math 11 (50%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
- BCIT Math Trades Entry Assessment
- BCIT Mechanical Reasoning Trades Entry Assessment
- Complete the following form for submission with your online application:
Step 2: Department assessment
Applications will be reviewed and assessed by the program area when the entrance requirements are complete. Qualified applicants will be contacted to attend an informational interview with the program area.
Recommended for success
Minimum 12 months work or industry experience.
Knowledge and background in the industry is an asset.
A driver’s licence is strongly recommended in order to move vehicles in and out of the shops (a course completion requirement).
Applicants are encouraged to attend an Heavy Duty Truck Technology Information Session for additional program details.
High school graduation is recommended by SkilledTradesBC. Please refer to the SkilledTradesBC website for current apprenticeship prerequisite information.
Applicants with medical or physical disabilities should contact Accessibility Services to arrange an interview.
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants.
Study permit: A valid BCIT study permit is required prior to starting the program.
International applicants must complete the following steps:
- Meet the above entrance requirements and submit your application.
- Receive notice of conditional acceptance to the program.
- Complete ACES 0100 – Applied Technical Literacy (70%) prior to program start. BCIT Admissions will enrol you in this course and communicate the details in your conditional acceptance letter.
Students enrolled in this program must complete the mandatory work component to qualify for graduation. A co-op work permit is required prior to starting the work component.
Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility: This program does not meet the eligible field of study requirement (CIP) and is therefore not eligible for students to apply for a PGWP.
(CIPC: 47.0613)
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
Domestic applicants: January each year
International applicants: February and May each year
*Scheduled intakes are subject to change.Advanced Placement
Conditions
You may be eligible to apply to an advanced level of the program through direct entry. Please note that applications are considered based on:
- Complete applications: you must show proof that you have completed (or are registered in) all requirements to be considered.
- Competitive entry: if the number of applicants exceeds available seats, BCIT will accept those deemed to have the best opportunity for success.
- Seat availability: confirmation may not be available until approximately one week before the term begins.
Re-admission
You can apply for re-admission if you:
- were previously admitted to this program and completed part of it at BCIT and
- want to re-enter the program at an advanced level.
Submit the Course-by-Course Self-Assessment Form [PDF] with your application.
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
Direct entry
If you have previously completed Heavy Mechanical Trades training, you may be eligible to apply for direct entry to term 2 of the Heavy Duty Truck Technology program.
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Submit the following with your online application:
- Proof of meeting all general entrance requirements
- Proof of completion of one of the following:
- Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation (at any post secondary in BC) or
- SkilledTradesBC Level 1 of Heavy Mechanical Trades Apprenticeship
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
Questions? Review the Admissions FAQ or contact Program Advising.
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition and fees, visit:
Books & supplies
$900 (general estimated cost, subject to change).Courses
Class hours
0630–1430, Tuesday to FridayProgram matrix
| Term 1 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| HDTT 1001 | Occupational Skills | 8.0 | |
| HDTT 1010 | Brakes | 4.0 | |
| HDTT 1020 | Hydraulics | 4.0 | |
| HDTT 1030 | Electrical | 5.0 | |
| HDTT 1040 | Frames, Steering, Suspension | 3.0 | |
| HDTT 1050 | Trailer | 2.0 | |
| HDTT 1060 | Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning | 2.0 | |
| HDTT 1070 | Structural Components | 2.0 | |
| Term 2 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
| HDTT 2001 | Electrical Diagnostics | 4.0 | |
| HDTT 2010 | Engine and Supporting Systems | 11.5 | |
| HDTT 2020 | Advanced Frames, Steering and Suspension | 2.0 | |
| HDTT 2030 | Advanced Hydraulics | 2.0 | |
| HDTT 2040 | Advanced Brakes | 2.5 | |
| HDTT 2050 | Communication for the Workshop | 2.0 | |
| HDTT 2060 | Service Operations | 2.0 | |
| HDTT 2070 | Mobile Refrigeration | 4.0 | |
| Term 3 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
| HDTT 3001 | Powertrain | 12.0 | |
| HDTT 3010 | Detroit Diesel Engines | 1.5 | |
| HDTT 3020 | Detroit Diesel Diagnostics | 1.5 | |
| HDTT 3030 | Detroit Diesel After-Treatment | 3.0 | |
| HDTT 3040 | Power Generation | 1.5 | |
| HDTT 3050 | Cummins Engines | 2.5 | |
| HDTT 3060 | Paccar MX Engines | 3.0 | |
| HDTT 3070 | Communication Skills for the Heavy Duty Truck Industry | 2.5 | |
| HDTT 3080 | Service Management Financial Concepts | 2.5 | |
| Co-op Work Term (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
| HDTT 3990 | Co-op Work Term | 15.0 | |
| Term 4 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
| HDTT 4001 | Emerging Technologies | 13.0 | |
| HDTT 4010 | Research Technology Projects | 4.0 | |
| HDTT 4020 | Capstone Project | 6.0 | |
| HDTT 4030 | CVSE/CVSA Vehicle Inspection | 2.0 | |
| HDTT 4040 | Vehicle Software Programming | 2.0 | |
| HDTT 4050 | Prepare for Certification Exam | 1.0 | |
| HDTT 4060 | AC Motors and Control | 2.0 | |
| Total Credits: | 135.0 | ||
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
Program length
This program runs 20 months, full time.Grading
The minimum passing grade for each course is 70 percent.
All courses must be successfully completed to receive the credential.
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
A mixture of classroom, learning labs and workshop will be used for program delivery, with some courses including online course content. Classes run four days a week, providing the potential to work a few days weekly, and possibly accumulate additional hours towards your apprenticeship completion.Program location
Annacis Island Campus
1608 Cliveden Avenue
Delta, BC
V3M 6M2
SkilledTradesBC
BCIT transfers the student's name, contact information, Personal Education Number (PEN), and the name and date of the completed Foundation program to SkilledTradesBC. This information is used for the purposes of tracking successful completions in order to grant credit towards apprenticeship where applicable, and communicating with trainees to promote continuation in an apprenticeship program.Co-operative education
450 hours of paid cooperative work integrated learning is included in this diploma. The co-op term typically occurs between terms 3 and 4.Graduating & Jobs
Continue your education
Graduates of this program may continue their studies to complete the BCIT Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Technology Management. The BTech program provides you with the flexibility to start your new career and complete your degree part-time within 3 to 5 years.
Career opportunities
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.
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
Lee Achtemichuk
Department Head (interim)
Lee_Achtemichuk@bcit.ca
604-456-1232
Tony Upton
Department Head
AUpton@bcit.ca
778-331-1731
Questions or comments?
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