Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics make, install, repair and service residential, commercial and industrial cooling and heating systems. Some work in building maintenance, servicing the air conditioning systems in high-rise office buildings. Others specialize in repairing small, portable refrigeration and freezing units. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics measure, cut and connect piping using welding and brazing equipment. They also recharge systems with refrigerant gases as required. They may connect rooftop units to gas, test and balance systems and connect electrical systems. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics must be able to use and adjust computerized controls, use computer software to calculate loads, and work on large machines.

Note: This trade is transitioning to a Pan-Canadian Harmonized program, so it is important that Apprentices understand how that impacts their training path. This trade will also fall under mandatory certification, effective December 1, 2023. Details on these changes can be found via SkilledTradesBC, or contact your trainer for the most current updates.

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic is a nationally designated trade under the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program.

Other programs in this sector:

Recommendations

The following education is recommended: Grade 10 (Grade 12 preferred), including English 10, Math 10, and Science 10.

 

The Apprenticeship Program comprises Levels 1-to-4 of progressive technical training, with each Level taking from 6-10 weeks (180-300 hours) to complete. In addition, apprentices are required to accumulate 6,210 hours of work-based training.

 

A Foundation Program can jump-start your career without employer sponsorship by supplying the knowledge and skills to enter directly at Level 2, after 25 weeks of training (refer to SkilledTradesBC for alternative paths into the occupation).

PROGRAM TYPES

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Camosun College

Interurban

Nov 04 2024Dec 20 2024

Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Thompson Rivers University

Kamloops

Nov 04 2024Dec 20 2024

Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Thompson Rivers University

Kamloops

Nov 12 2024Dec 20 2024

Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Van. Island University

Cowichan

Jan 06 2025Feb 21 2025

Refrigeration (HL)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Camosun College

Interurban

Jan 06 2025Mar 14 2025

Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Okanagan College

1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC

Jan 06 2025Mar 13 2025

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Thompson Rivers University

Kamloops

Jan 06 2025Mar 14 2025

Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Thompson Rivers University

Kamloops

Jan 06 2025Feb 14 2025

Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Thompson Rivers University

Kamloops

Jan 06 2025Mar 14 2025

Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

BCIT

BBY - Burnaby

Jan 06 2025Mar 14 2025

Refrigeration Apprenticeship (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

BCIT

BBY - Burnaby

Jan 06 2025Feb 14 2025

Refrigeration Apprenticeship (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

BCIT

BBY - Burnaby

Feb 10 2025Apr 17 2025

Refrigeration Apprenticeship (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Van. Island University

Cowichan

Mar 03 2025May 08 2025

Refrigeration (HL)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Thompson Rivers University

Kamloops

Mar 24 2025May 30 2025

Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Thompson Rivers University

Kamloops

Mar 24 2025May 09 2025

Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Okanagan College

Duncan Ave. Penticton

Mar 24 2025May 08 2025

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Camosun College

Interurban

Mar 31 2025May 16 2025

Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized)

INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER THE PROGRAM BUT HAVE NO ACTIVELY SCHEDULED INTAKES BEFORE APRIL 2025

Institution

Campus

Program

Contact

Okanagan College

Duncan Ave. Penticton

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic (HL)