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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.
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
- High school graduation (or equivalent) or mature student status
- English 11 with a minimum grade of C (or equivalent)
- Math 11 with a minimum grade of C (or equivalent)
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
| From | To | Location | Availability (updated weekly) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized) - Level 1 | January 6, 2025 | February 14, 2025 | Kamloops | Waitlist |
| Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized) - Level 3 | January 6, 2025 | March 14, 2025 | Kamloops | Waitlist |
| Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized) - Level 4 | January 6, 2025 | March 14, 2025 | Kamloops | Limited Space |
| Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized) - Level 4 | March 24, 2025 | May 30, 2025 | Kamloops | Available |
| Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized) - Level 2 | March 24, 2025 | May 9, 2025 | Kamloops | Waitlist |
| Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized) - Level 2 | August 25, 2025 | October 10, 2025 | Kamloops | Available |
| Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized) - Level 1 | September 15, 2025 | October 24, 2025 | Kamloops | Available |
| Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized) - Level 3 | October 14, 2025 | December 19, 2025 | Kamloops | Available |
| Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized) - Level 2 | November 3, 2025 | December 19, 2025 | Kamloops | Available |
| Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized) - Level 2 | January 5, 2026 | February 20, 2026 | Kamloops | Available |
| Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized) - Level 3 | January 5, 2026 | March 13, 2026 | Kamloops | Available |
| Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized) - Level 4 | January 5, 2026 | March 13, 2026 | Kamloops | Available |
| Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized) - Level 1 | March 2, 2026 | April 10, 2026 | Kamloops | Available |
| Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized) - Level 1 | March 23, 2026 | May 1, 2026 | Kamloops | Available |
| Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized) - Level 4 | March 23, 2026 | May 29, 2026 | Kamloops | Available |
| From | To | Location | Availability (updated weekly) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are no upcoming dates for this program | ||||
to the interest list for an apprenticeship course
Contact
apprenticeship@tru.caCosts 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.
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| The in-school technical training costs are based on the number of weeks you need. Levels 1 consists of six weeks, level 2 consists of seven weeks, and levels 3 and 4 consist of 10 weeks. Contact us for more rates. | |
| Six weeks tuition and fees | $834.89 |
| Seven weeks tuition and fees | $1,112.24 |
| Ten weeks tuition and fees | $1,456.41 |
Instructor
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.
