Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Mechanic (HVAC Technician)

As a refrigeration mechanic you’ll build, install, repair and service residential, commercial and industrial cooling and heating systems. Part of your job will involve using welding and brazing equipment to measure, cut and connect pipe, and recharge systems with refrigerant gases. You’ll connect rooftop units to gas, test and balance systems, and connect electrical systems. And you’ll have the capacity to operate and adjust computerized controls, use computer software to calculate loads, work on large machines and prepare work estimates for clients.

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Foundation

Gain the skills needed for entry-level position as an apprentice in the refrigeration field.

VIDEO SOURCE: WORKBC’S CAREER TREK

What you'll learn

  • Construction safety and proper use of ladders, scaffolding and trade-specific tools.
  • Piping basics including swaging, flaring, soldering and brazing. You’ll learn to properly install piping on a working refrigeration system.
  • Refrigeration theory including heat transfer, temperature pressure conversions and calculations, components and practical working applications.
  • Electrical theory including single- and three-phase motors, wiring diagrams and control installation.

What makes TRU's program unique

  • Large, open shop featuring new refrigeration training equipment.
  • Job shadows as part of the program, and great networking with industry professionals to facilitate job placement.
  • Gas theory and hands-on training that is not included in standard refrigeration foundation programs.

What you'll graduate with

  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Foundation Certificate of Completion
  • The in-school technical training for level 1 of apprenticeship
  • 425 work-based hours towards apprenticeship

Program requirements

  • Grade 12 graduation or equivalent
  • Grade 10 Math and English
  • Successful score on ACCUPLACER
How to apply
for this foundation program
SkilledTradesBC profile
for this trade
Job search
for this trade
Location

Kamloops

Next program intakes

Kamloops
Jul 29, 2024 to Jan 31, 2025
Available

Kamloops
Feb 3, 2025 to Jul 25, 2025
Available

Program length

25 weeks

Contact
tradesadmission@tru.ca

Apprenticeship Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Program

Apprenticeship provides refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic certification through work-based training and in-school technical training. Employers sponsor students for the work-based training and TRU offers the in-school technical training for levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 of your apprenticeship.

Level 1 consists of six weeks of technical training, level 2 consists of seven weeks of technical training and level 3 and 4 each consist of ten weeks of technical training. Once you’ve completed all four levels and the required work-based hours, you’ll receive a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Certificate of Apprenticeship and qualify to write the interprovincial Red Seal exam for your Certificate of Qualification.

Optional hybrid learning available

TRU offers the option of in-class or online synchronous learning.

  • Level 1 is four weeks optional and two weeks onsite.
  • Level 2 is five weeks optional and two weeks onsite.
  • Level 3 is seven weeks optional and three weeks onsite.
  • Level 4 is six weeks optional and four weeks onsite.
Additional equipment/supplies provided by student

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning apprentices must purchase the required textbooks and provincial competency manuals.

Program requirements

  • Must be a registered apprentice with SkilledTradesBC and possess a valid apprenticeship number
  • Sponsored by an employer registered by SkilledTradesBC
  • Must be in good physical health

Apprenticeship training dates

 FromToLocationAvailability
Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized) - Level 4March 18, 2024May 24, 2024KamloopsWaitlist
Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized) - Level 2April 8, 2024May 23, 2024KamloopsLimited Space
Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized) - Level 1September 16, 2024October 25, 2024KamloopsWaitlist
Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized) - Level 3October 14, 2024December 20, 2024KamloopsLimited Space
Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized) - Level 2November 4, 2024December 20, 2024KamloopsAvailable
Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized) - Level 1November 12, 2024December 20, 2024KamloopsAvailable
Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized) - Level 1January 6, 2025February 14, 2025KamloopsAvailable
Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized) - Level 3January 6, 2025March 14, 2025KamloopsAvailable
Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized) - Level 4January 6, 2025March 14, 2025KamloopsAvailable
Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized) - Level 2February 24, 2025April 11, 2025KamloopsAvailable
Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized) - Level 4March 24, 2025May 30, 2025KamloopsAvailable
 FromToLocationAvailability
Submit your name
to the interest list for an apprenticeship course

Costs for Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Mechanic programs

Fees are subject to change.

Costs include items such as student/ancillary fees, books, personal tools and safety gear, which are kept by students when they graduate from the program.

General
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Foundation
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Apprenticeship
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Instructor

Pete Arkesteyn
Pete Arkesteyn

Pete is a Red Seal refrigeration mechanic with a gasfitter Class A qualification. He worked in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration field for nearly 30 years, before hanging up his tools to pass on his knowledge and experience to students. He enjoys hockey, hiking and biking through Kamloops’ great outdoors, and volunteering with community groups.