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Refrigeration: Apprenticeship

Vancouver Island University

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  • Training Level
    Apprenticeship
  • Tuition Estimate
    $700 (One level); Verify with apprentice@viu.ca for details.
  • Book & Supplies Cost Estimates
    Verify with apprentice@viu.ca or 250-740-6227 for details.
  • Credential Granted
    • Apprenticeship
    • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic- Certificate of Qualification with Interprovincial Red Seal endorsement; Certificate of Apprenticeship
  • Coordinator Contact
    Tanya Reiber Email tanya.reiber@viu.ca or 250.740.6112

Application Deadline Advice

Applications are accepted anytime. Qualified applicants are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Early application is strongly recommended.

Application Fee: $44 (domestic); International Student Fees

Red Seal

This is a Red Seal trade. Learn more about trade mobility within Canada at Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program

Training Schedule

Training schedule details provided by the BC Trades Training Consortium (TTC).

View upcoming training dates on TTC.

Level: 03
Cowichan

Related Foundation Programs

Not ready for an apprenticeship program? This Foundation (Pre-apprenticeship) program may be of interest:

Apprenticeship Training

This program satisfies the training standard set by the BC Industry Training Authority (ITA) for:

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

For updated details regarding Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic , please review the ITA Accredited program profiles.

ITA Registration

Individuals who wish to begin an apprenticeship in this program must register with the ITA along with their sponsors. Application forms for all programs are available from the ITA website. Online registration is also available for most programs though the ITA website.

Description

Refrigeration Mechanics fabricate, install, maintain and service any system used for cooling and/or heating in closed systems that contain a refrigerant or a brine and thermoelectric cooling.

The program combines technical and work-based training. It generally takes five years to complete.

The technical training is made up of four levels totaling 990 hours (33 weeks). Level One is 180 hours (6 weeks).  Level Two is 210 hours (7 weeks). Levels Three and Four are each 300 hours (10 weeks). This block of training is normally delivered through an ITA approved training institution. Sometimes it may also be met through approved training models (distance education, online, part-time) and/or a level challenge exam.

The work-based training totals 6210 hours. Based on a 30-hour work week this involves about 207 weeks of training. 

For details about the Pan-Canadian Harmonization Initiative and recent changes to the program structure, visit the ITA website OPSN 2019 001 .

Training Content
  • Perform Safety Related Functions
  • Use Tools and Equipment
  • Perform Routine Trade Activities
  • Use Communication Techniques
  • Apply Electrical Concepts
  • Apply Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Theory
  • Plan Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Installations
  • Install Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems
  • Apply Gas Utilization Theory
  • Install Gas-Fired Systems
  • Commission Systems
  • Service Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems
  • Service Gas-Fired Appliances and Equipment
Pre-requisites

Recommended

(Please refer to the BC Curriculum Comparison Chart for course equivalents)

Grade 10 or equivalent, including:
  • English 10
  • Math 10
  • Science 10

Preferred

  • Grade 12 or equivalent
Advisor Tips
The Red Seal endorsement allows qualified tradespeople to practice their trade anywhere in the country.  To receive this endorsement you must pass a Red Seal exam. Depending on your trade there is anywhere from 100 to 150 multiple choice questions on the exam. The passing grade is 70%.

There are currently 56 designated Red Seal trades in Canada.
Cross-Program Credits

Individuals who hold the credentials listed below are entitled to receive partial credit toward the completion requirements of this program.

Credential
Credits Granted

Domestic/Commercial Gasfitter (Class B) - Certificate of Qualification

  • Work-Based Training: 1,800 hours

Construction Electrician - Certificate of Qualification

  • Work-Based Training: 900 hours

Industrial Electrician - Certificate of Qualification

  • Work-Based Training: 900 hours
Related Occupations

Apprenticeship training in this program can lead to a career in:

Explore potential career options in WorkBC. BC Work Futures provides information about occupations, industries and labour market conditions in British Columbia. It features detailed profiles of over 500 occupations.