Future mechanics use truck donation for hands-on learning

Students training to become mechanics will benefit from Vancouver Island University’s close connections to the community.

A long-standing relationship between VIU’s Heavy Duty/Commercial Transport Mechanics program and Waste Management has resulted in another donation – this time a 1997 residential collection vehicle for student training purposes.

It’s the fifth truck donation from Waste Management’s Pacific North West division to VIU in the past three years.

“We’re proud to support our local university, students and the community,” said Glen Tulloch, District Operations Manager for Waste Management. “We believe it is important for future mechanics to receive hands-on training on state-of-the-art equipment. We have 80 employees from Campbell River to Victoria, so you never know. Down the road, some of these students may end up employed by our company.”

The donated truck has a DT-466E electronic controlled engine and an electronic shift automatic transmission. “It’s the first truck of this type that we have available for student training purposes,” said program instructor Joe Skipsey. “It’s typical of what students will encounter in the workplace after their training at VIU.

“When you’re teaching mechanics, there’s nothing like giving students the opportunity to work on an actual vehicle,” added Skipsey. “We’ll use the truck to help students develop skills in a variety of areas including engine repair, brake service hydraulic testing. It’s exactly the kind of hands-on training our students need, and we appreciate Waste Management’s ongoing support and commitment to our program.”

VIU alumnus John Crabb is Waste Management’s District Fleet Manager responsible for 140 collection vehicles and 30 support vehicles on the lower mainland, and Vancouver Island. Crabb, who graduated in 1995 from VIU’s two-year Human Resources Associate of Commerce diploma program, said he’s proud to see Waste Management donate equipment to his alma mater to ensure students receive hands-on training.

“Waste Management makes safety a top priority,” he said. “We take pride in helping skilled trades people of tomorrow receive proper training.”

According to Skipsey, heavy duty mechanics are in demand throughout BC and Canada, and he predicts the demand will increase in years ahead.

VIU’s 10-month Heavy Duty Commercial/Transport Mechanics program covers all aspects of highway-type trucks and buses, bulldozers, loaders, excavators and earthmovers including shop equipment, safety, mechanical reasoning, air and hydraulic brake systems, power transfer systems, gasoline and diesel engine systems, and welding.

The program consists of classroom lectures and many opportunities for hands-on training. Successful graduates earn an entry-level certification in heavy duty mechanics and commercial transport mechanics, and can choose one of two apprenticeships they would like to pursue. Each year, the program accepts 36 students. Applications are now being accepted for September 2010. To apply, go to .