Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician Ontario College Diploma, Co-op program

Program Overview

The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician Diploma Program at Georgian College prepares students to install, service, and maintain environmental systems for residential buildings, including gas appliances and introductions to refrigeration and air conditioning. The program emphasizes energy efficiency and environmentally friendly approaches, and equips graduates with the skills to obtain the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) Gas Technician 2 (G.2) license. The program includes a co-op work term, providing valuable industry experience.

Program Outline

Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician Diploma Program at Georgian College:

Degree Overview:

• Description: Prepares students to install, service, and maintain environmental systems for residential buildings, including gas appliances and introductions to refrigeration and air conditioning.
Emphasis on energy efficiency and environmentally friendly approaches. Students use industry standard software for HRAC drawings.
• Objective: Equip graduates with the skills to obtain the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) Gas Technician 2 (G.2) license and become certified gas technicians.
• Additional Information:
• Gas Technician work in Ontario requires a Gas Technician license (Ontario Certificate of Qualification), governed by TSSA.
• College facilitates Gas Technician 3 (G.3) and Gas Technician 2 (G.2) Ontario Certificate of Qualification Examinations on campus at the end of the first and third semesters, respectively.
Exam costs are not included in tuition.
• Students must pass the TSSA Gas Technician 3 (G.3) exam to participate in their co-op work term.
• GAST program students transferring to the HRAC program require:
• GAST program graduation requirements
• HRAC program admission requirements (including Grade 12C or U math or equivalent)
• Request for program change form
• Successful applicants are exempt from the first 3 HRAC program semesters.

Outline:

• Duration: 2 years
• Credential: Ontario College Diploma, Co-op
• Delivery: Full-time, in person
• Course Structure:
• Semester 1:
ELEC 1010 (Introduction to Electricity), GAST 1003 (Introduction to Gas Appliances), GAST 1013 (Professional Practices), GAST 1014 (Piping and Tubing Systems), 1 communication course, 1 general education course.
• Subsequent semesters cover topics such as gas appliance servicing, refrigeration systems, air conditioning systems, electrical principles for HRAC applications, building codes and standards, digital controls, troubleshooting, and more.
• 18 program courses, 2 communication courses, 3 general education courses, and 1 co-op work term.

Assessment:

• Methods:
• Assignments
• Tests
• Lab work
• Exams
• Co-op work term evaluation
• Criteria:
• Knowledge and understanding of HRAC theory and principles
• Practical skills in installing, servicing, and maintaining HRAC systems
• Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
• Communication and teamwork skills
• Professionalism and work ethic

Teaching:

• Methods:
• Interactive lectures
• Hands-on labs and workshops
• Project-based learning
• Guest speakers from the industry
• Faculty:
• Experienced and certified HRAC professionals
• Industry connections
• Unique Approaches:
• Emphasis on practical skills development
• Focus on real-world applications
• Co-op work term provides valuable industry experience
• Use of industry-standard software and equipment

Careers:

• Career paths:
• Gas technician
• Technical support and sales within the HRAC industry
• Transition to other trades (sheet metal, air conditioning, refrigeration, plumbing, pipe fitting) through apprenticeship
• Graduate opportunities:
• Employment in a variety of settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial
• Potential for self-employment
• Strong earning potential

Other:

• Program is accredited by Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada), formerly known as Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE).
• Georgian College is committed to providing a high-quality co-operative education experience.
For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the official Georgian College website.