Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Mechanic (HVAC Technician) with Red Seal endorsement

Program Overview

This 25-week refrigeration mechanic foundation program equips you with hands-on technical skills in piping basics, refrigeration theory, and electrical theory. Through work-based apprenticeship levels (1-4), students gain practical experience with gas theory and job shadowing opportunities for industry connections.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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.

Outline:

Foundation

• Program Length: 25 weeks
• Content:
• 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.

Apprenticeship

• Program Length: Varies by level (Level 1: 6 weeks, Level 2: 7 weeks, Level 3 & 4: 10 weeks)
• Content: Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic certification through work-based training and in-school technical training.
• Schedule:
• Level 1: 4 weeks optional and 2 weeks onsite
• Level 2: 5 weeks optional and 2 weeks onsite
• Level 3: 7 weeks optional and 3 weeks onsite
• Level 4: 6 weeks optional and 4 weeks onsite
• Faculty: Pete Arkesteyn (Red Seal refrigeration mechanic with a gasfitter Class A qualification)
• Unique Approaches: 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.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
• Opportunities: Entry-level positions as an apprentice in the refrigeration field.
• Outcomes:
• 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
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Certificate of Apprenticeship (upon completion of all four levels and required work-based hours)

Other:

• Location: Kamloops
• Program Intakes:
• Kamloops Jul 29, 2024 to Jan 31, 2025 (Waitlist)
• Kamloops Feb 3, 2025 to Jul 25, 2025 (Available)
• Program Requirements:
• Grade 12 graduation or equivalent
• Grade 10 Math and English
• Successful score on ACCUPLACER
• Apprenticeship 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
• Additional Equipment/Supplies: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning apprentices must purchase the required textbooks and provincial competency manuals.
• Statistics:
• 123% of TRU School of Trades and Technology grads employed in the labour force
• 123% of TRU School of Trades and Technology grads satisfied with training
• 123% quality of instruction rated by TRU School of Trades and Technology grads