Information on Apprenticeship Programs in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic in Canada

The apprenticeship programs in refrigeration and air conditioning systems mechanic in Canada combine in-class studies and on-the-job training with employers, teaching students

• Ins and outs of design of heating and cooling systems in residential and commercial buildings
• Assemble components and install systems in various settings
• Install and calibrate related controls
• Maintain heating and cooling systems
• Test to detect errors in wiring or faults in the system
• Troubleshoot the problem and repair traditional and modern heating systems

The apprenticeship programs in refrigeration mechanic course in Canada help student gain following competencies (knowledge, skill and abilities):

• A thorough understanding of heating and cooling systems
• Strong understanding of electrical fundamentals
• Manual dexterity
• Ability to apply maintenance procedures and service techniques
• Hands-on experience in cutting, soldering, brazing and welding
• Knowledge of material handling procedures
• Ability to carry out load calculations and plan specifications
• Understanding of air distribution systems
• Ability to work in teams
• Ability to deal with customers
• Ability to understand engineering drawings and manufacturer's bulletins
• Ability to review equipments
• Ability to plan and prepare for installation

With this, students also learn to write in technical environment and gain customer service skills.

Apprenticeship Programs in Canada

There are a number of colleges in Canada offering a variety of apprenticeship programs or air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic courses. But all of them may not be affiliated. Centennial College's apprenticeship program in refrigeration and air conditioning systems mechanic is one of the prestigious programs in Toronto. Students are scheduled into their college sessions by Ministry of Training.

In addition, the program includes classroom learning, hands-on lab and on-the-job training with an employer. The program also gives students the opportunity to earn-while-you-learn. With this, they can also write the exam for a certificate of qualification. Passing this exam qualifies them for a certificate of apprenticeship from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The certificate reflects that the student is certified in chosen occupation.

Program Details

The three-year apprenticeship program in refrigeration and air conditioning systems mechanic is a traditional apprenticeship program with three levels: basic, intermediate and advanced. It covers a wide range of subjects including:

• Refrigeration and air conditioning processes
• Mechanical cooling cycle fundamentals
• Cooling systems and fundamentals
• Electrical fundamentals
• Plans specifications and load calculations
• System design and installation
• Material handling procedures and practices
• Electrical and control systems
• Air cooling systems
• Air distribution systems
• Electronic devices and control systems

Program Benefits

The apprenticeship program offers a number of benefits to students. It

• Helps them upgrade their knowledge and skills
• Gives them opportunity to earn while they learn
• Incorporates on-the-job training, which prepares them for the world of work
• Conducts learning sessions at state-of-the-art facilities
• Allows them to write the exam for certificate of qualification from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

Admission Requirements

Apprentices do not apply directly to the college. Instead they register with the Ministry of Training. However, an apprentice must be sponsored by an employer. This is one of the essential criteria for applying for this program.

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning System Mechanic Program Gives Students Experience

Experience is something nearly all employers are looking for in new hires. Many industries expect students already have had some sort of experience when applying. There are also situations in which an employer takes on a novice and expects him or her to obtain the education needed to move up in the field.

Once such field is that of the refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic. The professionals in this field can attend Centennial College's Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic program if they are already working in the field. How exactly does this work? Apprentices are sponsored by their employer and obtain in-school training that is reinforced through on-the-job training that takes place with their employer. In fact, to be eligible to apply for this offering, students must be employed in the field. It is worth noting that students cannot apply directly to Centennial College or at ontariocolleges.ca. Instead, they must contact the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities.

The Ministry of Training schedules students into their college sessions. Once students begin their Centennial College training, they are based at Progress Campus. As the institution's largest location, it houses one of the province's largest training centres for trades. That means the campus facilities are designed to compliment the curriculum and allow students to practice using the most modern tools of the trade.

In terms of topics covered, this apprenticeship program focuses on the range of design, installation and service techniques of heating and air conditioning systems in residential and commercial buildings. Because of the delivery format (on-campus/on-the-job), Centennial College only hires faculty members who have extensive, current experience in the industry. Because they are experts in the field, instructors offer students advice in terms of their careers, answer questions during and after class time, and more.

Once students solidify their knowledge in various topics, they apply what they have learned to the real world by returning to their place of employment for on-the-job aspect of the program. This allows them to experience the roles they will fill once they complete their training, which will likely be different from the roles they had been in prior to their apprenticeship. As such, they’ll obtain new knowledge, apply what Centennial College has taught them and become comfortable in various scenarios.

To receive a certificate of completion that signals they are trained to be effective in their tasks, students must successfully complete each air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic course in this Centennial College offering. Grads must also write an exam for their certificate of qualification that results in a certificate of apprenticeship from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, and certifies them as mechanics.

Train to be a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning System Mechanic While Earning

"Earn while you learn" is a unique approach to teaching apprentices. It entails learning on the job, applying knowledge you already have and gaining new skills while earning money at the same time. That means you will be required to complete real tasks for a real employer, as if you were already working in the industry.

One earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship that's offered at Centennial College concerns itself with the field of the refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic. Known as the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic program, its major focus is on offering students knowledge of design, installation and service techniques of heating and air conditioning systems in residential and commercial buildings. This is achieved through three years. Each year sees topics increase in difficulty with the first year looking at basic level topics, the second year delving into intermediate level topics and the final year rounding out the apprenticeship with advanced topics. It is worth noting that the structure of the program consists of sessions into which the Ministry of Training schedules students.

At Centennial College, instructors who have years of experience in the industry as well as current knowledge of the field teach students. This is beneficial, as it allows students to gain a personal perspective on the industry and receive anecdotal advice that will come in handy once they enter the field and begin to apply for jobs. Further enhancing the training offered in this program is the facility from which it is delivered. Not only is Progress Campus Centennial College's largest location, it is also one of the province's largest trades training centres. That means it features state-of-the-art labs that are equipped with tools of the trade and a mock environment that will give students an idea of what they can expect once they are in the industry.

Once students complete each air conditioning mechanic course in the program, they receive a certificate of completion. Additionally, once they complete all experience training they are ready to write their exam for their certificate of qualification. Passing this exam means students qualify for a certificate of apprenticeship from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, and that you are certified as refrigeration and air conditioning systems mechanics.

Graduates have a range of options available to them, including becoming building systems mechanics, installers, servicepersons, sales representatives, and parts counter clerks with a variety of employers, such as residential and commercial air conditioning/refrigeration contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers, and government and public utilities.

Obtain Real Life Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic Experience at College Level

To become a Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic, one must complete some fort of refrigeration mechanic course. Centennial College offers an especially appealing undertaking that is completed in three years. Here is a look at some of the specific benefits of the undertaking.

Open Admission: To apply for this offering, there is only one main requirement. The applicant must currently be employed as an apprentice. As such, essentially the offering serves as a way for those already in the field to move up and advance their careers. It is, however, not a program by which students can apply directly to Centennial College or at ontariocolleges.ca. Instead, they must contact that Apprenticeship and Adjustment Branch.

Three Levels: The offering is delivered through three years and three different levels. Year one consists of basic training that includes fundamentals so that students have a solid foundation on which to base their knowledge. Year two is full of intermediate level topics that are more in depth, as students now have the base to understand the inner workings of refrigeration and air conditioning systems. The final year offers advanced level courses that allow students to employ everything they have learned in the previous two years.

On-the-Job Experience: Because this is an apprenticeship program, students not only attend in-school sessions that are conducted at state-of-the-art facilities at one of the province's largest trades training centres, Progress Campus. They also have the opportunity to venture off campus to spend time working at their place of employment to implement the knowledge they have gained. This hands-on aspect of the apprenticeship is essential to ensuring that students are well prepared for their positions upon graduation.

Wide Range of Knowledge: Over the course of the three years of the offering, students gain insight into a wide range of subjects. Essentially all of the courses combined cover the ins and outs of design, installation and service techniques of heating and air conditioning systems in residential and commercial buildings. Additionally, it is worth noting that faculty members who have experience in the industry and can offer students advice and personal anecdotes to enhance the learning experience teach the courses.

After completing every air conditioning mechanic course, students write the exam for their certificate of qualification. Passing this exam means they qualify for a certificate of apprenticeship from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, and that they are certified in their chosen occupation.

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics Job Responsibilities and Education Prerequisites

Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics are employed with engineering firms, food manufacturers and wholesalers, retail and servicing establishments, refrigeration and air-conditioning contractors and various other manufacturing firms and industrial settings. Their typical work activities include:

• Assembling and installing air conditioning, refrigeration, heating and ventilation units and components
• Troubleshooting and overhauling air conditioning systems
• Conducting leakage tests using testing devices
• Calibrating systems and performing routine health checks
• Conducting feasibility studies
• Preparing cost estimates for clients
• Repairing the air-conditioning and ventilating systems and replacing defected parts whenever required
• Planning, preparing and laying out heating or cooling systems
• Identifying system malfunctions
• Recording and reporting faults and other unusual occurrences in the systems
• Recommending, developing and performing preventive maintenance procedures
• Generating work orders to resolve problems
• Inspecting and testing systems in compliance with plans and specifications
• Adhering to applicable standards, safety procedures and policies

Career Prospects

Most businesses depend on climate controlled systems. Besides this, most people reside in temperature controlled houses. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to keep these systems in order. The career prospects in this field are bright as job opportunities are expected to increase in the coming years. While the existing mechanics have accumulated skills and experience after years of working, there is a shortage of young people who already have formal educational qualifications and hands-on-experience. Employers are keen on hiring professionals who possess technical expertise and have business and communication skills.

This is because the role of air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanics goes beyond just installing, implementing, troubleshooting and repairing air-conditioning systems. Along with being mechanics, they also act as company representatives when dealing with customers.

Generally known as HVAC technicians, the heating and refrigeration mechanics find roles in all residential, commercial and industrial settings. However, they have to complete minimum required education and training to enter into this field and build a rewarding career.

Refrigeration Mechanic Courses in Canada

Although the refrigeration and heating mechanics learn on-the-job but there are a variety of apprenticeship programs in refrigeration and air conditioning that teach students ins and outs of heating and cooling systems designing, installation and service techniques.

Centennial College's three-year diploma in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems is a traditional apprentice program that mainly consists of on-the-job training with an employer. In addition, the students also attend classroom lectures to understand about the properties of metals and the functioning of heating, cooling and ventilation systems.

In-school sessions are conducted at state-of-the-art facilities. The course is designed in such a manner that it gives students the opportunities to earn while they learn.

Enrollment Guide

In order to enroll in a refrigeration mechanic courses in Canada, your employer must sponsor your apprenticeship. You will have to contact the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities as apprentices do not directly apply with the college. Besides, you will be scheduled into your college sessions by the Ministry of Training only.

On the completion of your apprenticeship, you will be eligible to write exam for your certificate of qualification. You will be certified in your chosen operation by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities only if you pass this exam.

What Does It Take to be a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics are experts who install, repair, overhaul and maintain air conditioning systems, heating and cooling systems, refrigeration units and ventilation systems in residential, commercial and industrial structures.

The mechanics are generally employed by engineering firms, air conditioning and refrigeration installation contractors, food wholesales, industrial service companies and manufacturing companies. They may be hired by organizations such as schools, colleges and hospitals on full time basis. In addition, they can also work as freelance mechanics or run their own businesses.

Most employers nowadays prefer to employ mechanics who have undergone some formal training and have hands-on-experience. An apprentice program can help individuals in gaining/strengthening theoretical basis and get practical training as well.

About Refrigeration Mechanic Course

Generally a Air Conditioning Mechanic program is a three year traditional apprentice program. It teaches students the ins and outs of design, installation, repair and refitting techniques of heating and cooling systems in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.

The program is divided into three levels - basic level (1st year), intermediate level (2nd year) and advanced level (3rd year). It combines classroom studies with on-the-job training with a company.This helps students in applying their classroom learning into practice and gain required work experience necessary to find employment after completion of the course. They also gain valuable contacts that can be used as references for employment in future. The apprenticeship can vary from two to five years depending upon the trade you apply for.

A certificate of qualification is given to students who write the exam at the conclusion of their apprenticeship. This means that those who pass the exam are qualified for an apprenticeship certificate from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

Benefits You Avail While You Learn

• You get to attend one to three sessions of full-time instructions for forty weeks, depending upon your trade.
• You are taught by professors who have extensive experience in the industry.
• Your apprentice includes on-the-job training with an employer.
• You also earn when you learn

Enrolling into a Refrigeration Mechanic Program

Well, you can't directly apply with any college in Canada for a refrigeration mechanic program. You will have to contact the Ministry of Training in order to apply for an apprentice program. And if you're shortlisted, you will be scheduled into your college sessions by them only. One prerequisite for applying for the course is that you must be currently employed as an apprentice.

So, if you have never got any formal training in air conditioning and refrigeration installation, maintenance and repair, it's ideal to apply for an apprenticeship program now. The course will help strengthen your basics and sharpen your skills. One thing that you need to keep in mind is that the apprentice should be supported by an employer or else it won't be possible for you to enroll in the program.

The job market for mechanics with formal training is constantly expanding. Finding better employment opportunities won't be difficult once you complete your formal training. So, explore your options and apply for an apprentice program to enhance your skills.

Learn about Mechanic Essentials With Air conditioning Mechanic Course

Becoming a Heating, Refrigeration or Air Conditioning mechanic requires interested parties to attend a post-secondary program such as the one offered at Centennial College. This two year (six semesters) format - officially known as Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic - Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician - enables students to train as apprentices in the refrigeration and air conditioning trade while obtaining an Ontario College Diploma.

Let's look at how this undertaking trains students to complete tasks that include: reading and interpreting blueprints, drawings or other specifications; using power tools to assemble and install refrigeration or air conditioning components such as motors, controls, gauges, valves, circulating pumps, condensers, humidifiers, evaporators and compressors; measuring and cutting piping, and connecting piping using welding and brazing equipment; installing, troubleshooting and overhauling entire heating, ventilation, air handling, refrigeration and air conditioning systems; starting up systems and testing for leaks using testing devices; recharging systems with refrigerant; checking and testing regulators, calibrating systems and performing routine maintenance or servicing; repairing and replacing parts and components for entire refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation or heat pump systems; and more.

 

• Academically, applicants to this Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic program must have completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent; English Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent (minimum grade required) or take the Centennial College English Skills Assessment for Admission; and Mathematics Grade 11 M or U, or 12 C or U, or equivalent (minimum grade required) or take a Centennial College Engineering Math Skills Assessment for Admission.
  
• Applicants to the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic program must also complete a questionnaire to assess co-op employability; attend a mandatory information/interview session; and be eligible to work as an apprentice in Ontario
  
• Mature applicants must present a high school diploma, certificate or GED. Meanwhile, applicants educated outside of Canada must present a credential evaluation of the above.
  
  
• The broad knowledge of the design, installation and service techniques for heating refrigeration and air conditioning systems that students in this Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic program obtain can be applied to commercial and residential settings.
  
• Specific Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic courses offered include: Air Distribution Systems & Accessories, Electrical and Control Systems, Applied Psychometrics, Heating Hydraulic Fundamentals, Pressure Enthalpy & Refrigerants Cooling Systems and Components, Cooling Cycles Fundamentals and more.
  
• For eight months of their two-year program, students work in the field alongside seasoned professionals.
  
• The hours earned during the work placement are counted towards the practical part of apprenticeship training.
  
• The School helps students to find a paid work placement to gain on-the-job experience in their area of interest.
  
• While in-class, students attend courses that combine theory and lab experience.
  
• Labs at Progress Campus, from which this Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic program is facilitated, house state-of-the-art labs that allow students to obtain practical hands-on practice.
  
• Among the equipment used in this program to ensure students get relevant practice is a selection of equipment that meets the Season Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) standards.

Become a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic & Gain Practical Field Experience

When choosing Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic courses, there are a few aspects that are important to consider. First and foremost, the amount of hands-on experience you obtain during the course of the program should be noted. That’s because many employers are seeking mechanical engineering technicians who have experience. Secondly, the credentials you receive should be considered. Are the credentials respected? Will they help you to obtain a job upon graduation? Lastly, program length should be considered. Does it take a very long time to get into the field or will it launch you into the field quickly?

By attending Centennial College’s Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics – Mechanical Engineering Technician offering, you complete an education that trains you as apprentices in refrigeration and air conditioning trade while obtaining a two-year post secondary engineering technician diploma in the mechanical field. Additionally, the offering takes just two years to complete and allows you to graduate with skills that prepare you to: assemble, install, service and repair industrial, commercial and domestic refrigeration and air conditioning systems in homes, shops, factories, office buildings and hospitals.

Those interested in applying for this Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic program are required to have completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), GED or equivalent. In addition, they must have completed the English Grade 12 C or U or equivalent, or skills assessment; and Math Grade 11 M, C or U or Grade 12 M, C or U, or equivalent, or skills assessment. Aside from these requirements, please note that applicants my also be asked to submit a questionnaire, resume and references to determine apprenticeship employability.

Because of its split focus of in-school learning and co-op training, students who attend these Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic courses spend eight months of program time on a co-op placement arranged by the college. The hours earned during the co-op placement are counted towards the practical part of apprenticeship training. Time spent in co-op is compensated. However, before they embark on this part of the program, students obtain a thorough grounding in engineering sciences and skills, including machine shop operation, tool design, computer-assisted drafting and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), as used in the industry.

Instructors who teach the air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic courses employ a variety of teaching methods that incorporate industry-current design software and a project approach to leaning that simulates actual workplace assignments. Among the specific air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic courses in which these methods are employed are: Mechanical Drawings and Prints (allows students to become familiarized with both the basic graphic language of mechanical engineering drawings as well as the concepts and features of the AutoCAD computer-assisted-drafting program); Installation of Mechanical Cooling Systems (students learn to identify applicable safe work practices, lifting equipment and material handling equipment used during installations); Electrical and Control Systems (provides students with training resulting in the ability to identify applicable acts, regulations, legislation and codes when working on electrical accessories and components in refrigeration and air conditioning systems); and more.

Become a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic in Two Short Years

Are you seeking to attend air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic courses that not only result in an Ontario College Diploma but also in job preparedness thanks to much practical experience? Do you have an interest in entering the field quickly to pursue jobs assembling, installing, servicing and repairing industrial, commercial and domestic refrigeration and air conditioning systems in homes, shops, factories, office buildings and hospitals? If so, you may want to consider applying to Centennial College’s Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics – Mechanical Engineering Technician program.

The air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic courses in this program see students train as apprentices in the refrigeration and air conditioning trade while simultaneously obtaining a two-year post secondary engineering technician Ontario College diploma in the mechanical field. As such, students spend eight months of program time on a co-op placement arranged by the college. The hours earned during the co-op placement are counted towards the practical part of apprenticeship training. Time spent in co-op is compensated.

In addition, through on-campus air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic courses, students master engineering sciences and skills. Among these skills are: machine shop operation, tool design, computer-assisted drafting and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), building and testing of equipment as used in the refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic industry. Used throughout the refrigeration mechanic courses and air conditioning mechanic courses are industry-current design software and a project approach to leaning that simulates actual workplace assignments. This is great preparation for the co-op feature.

Specific air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic courses in which students partake include: Installation of Mechanical Cooling Systems (students learn to identify applicable safe work practices, lifting equipment and material handling equipment used during installations); Mechanical Drawings and Prints (purpose of this course is to allow students to become familiarized with both the basic graphic language of mechanical engineering drawings as well as the concepts and features of the AutoCAD computer-assisted-drafting program); Electrical and Control Systems (provides students with both theory and practical training resulting in the ability to identify applicable acts, regulations, legislation and codes when working on electrical accessories and components in refrigeration and air conditioning systems); and more.

To apply for Centennial College’s air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic courses, interested parties are required to have completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), GED or equivalent. In addition, they must have completed the English Grade 12 C or U or equivalent, or skills assessment; and Math Grade 11 M, C or U or Grade 12 M, C or U, or equivalent, or skills assessment. Aside from these requirements, please note that applicants my also be asked to submit a questionnaire, resume and references to determine apprenticeship employability.

Earn a Diploma and Co-Op Experience to Become a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

Do you have an interest in becoming a mechanical engineering technician? Have you thought about taking air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic courses? Have you completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), GED or equivalent; English Grade 12 C or U or equivalent, or skills assessment; and Math Grade 11 M, C or U or Grade 12 M, C or U, or equivalent, or skills assessment? If so, you may want to consider Centennial College’s two-year Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics – Mechanical Engineering Technician offering, which results in an Ontario College Diploma. In addition to these requirements, please note that applicants my also be asked to submit a questionnaire, resume and references to determine apprenticeship employability.

The air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanic courses in this program are beneficial to students as they allow them to train as apprentices in the refrigeration and air conditioning trade while obtaining a two-year post secondary engineering technician Ontario College diploma in the mechanical field. Eight months of the program time is spent on a co-op placement arranged by the college. The hours earned during the co-op placement are counted towards the practical part of apprenticeship training. Please note, time spent in co-op is compensated.

Meanwhile, during on-campus sessions, students obtain a thorough grounding in engineering sciences and skills, including machine shop operation, tool design, computer-assisted drafting and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), building and testing of equipment as used in the refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic industry. The grounding is offered through a variety of theoretical and lab air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic courses, which include industry-current design software and a project approach to leaning that simulates actual workplace assignments.

Among the specific air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic courses included in this offering are: Refrigeration Fundamentals (course teaches identifying procedures for checking and inspecting mechanical cooling system components. Also teaches students to describe worksite preparation procedures, personal protective equipment, safe working conditions, procedures for handling hazardous or toxic materials, fire safety procedures, the reporting of injuries, demonstration for prevention of personal injuries, procedures for lockout and tagging, operating material handling equipment, procedures for the use of personnel lift equipment); Cooling Cycles Fundamentals (teaches structure of matter, molecular motion, work and energy, thermal energy and the change of state, laws of physics that relate to vapours and gases, operating principles and function, temperatures and pressures a mechanical cooling cycle and procedures for plotting a mechanical cooling cycle in a mollier diagram); Cooling Cycles and Accessories (teaches principles and functions of various compressors, procedures for checking wear tolerances of a reciprocating compressors, the function of condensers and evaporators used in a cooling system designed to preserve perishable goods. Also highlights descriptions of the operating principles and function of metering devices, function of accessories, function of cascade compression and function of compound compression in cooling systems); and more.