Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Techniques - Apprenticeship
Make becoming a journeyperson the next step in your Refrigeration and Air Conditioning career.
- Fulfills the in class requirement for your apprenticeship; prepares you to work as a skilled technician after writing the exam for your Red Seal Certification to work across Canada
- Air conditioning and refrigeration technicians may hold other trade licenses, such as a Certificate of Qualification as a Gas Technician, to be more employable and multi-faceted
- 24 week program divided into three 8-week sessions where you attend class/labs for 30 hours per week then return to work for 8-12 months
Program Availability and Schedule
Schedule
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Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Applicants to the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Techniques - Apprenticeship Algonquin College Certificate program must:
be currently employed in the trade be formally registered as apprentices with Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) have avalid Offer of Classroom Training from the MLTSD that includes your Ministry Client ID and approved Class Number...(read more)
Overview
Make becoming a journeyperson the next step in your Refrigeration and Air Conditioning career.
Applicants to the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Techniques - Apprenticeship Algonquin College Certificate program must:
- be currently employed in the trade
- be formally registered as apprentices with Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD)
- have avalid Offer of Classroom Training from the MLTSD that includes your Ministry Client ID and approved Class Number
Eligibility is determined by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.
The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Techniques - Apprenticeship trade is a compulsory trade in Ontario and requires Certification. To practice outside of Ontario, a Red Seal Endorsement is required. Typically, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics may hold other trade licenses, such as a Certificate of Qualification as a Gas Technician.
To learn more about apprenticeships, visit ontario.ca/page/skilled-trades for detailed information.
For Registered Apprentices:
This 24-week program fulfills the in-class requirements for your apprenticeship. The overall program is divided into three 8-week sessions where you attend class and labs for 30 hours per week and then return to work to further your skills and experience for 8 to 12 months.
During your labs you learn about:
- thermodynamics
- heat transfer
- fluid mechanics
- thermofluids
- psychrometrics
- electromagnetism
- mechanical cooling cycles and components
- electricity and installation procedures
- pneumatics
- hydronics
- construction health and safety
At the end of this program, you qualify to write the exam to receive your federal Red Seal Certification to work across Canada in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic trade and your Certificate of Qualification to work in Ontario. Once qualified, you can enter the industry as a journeyperson.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Enjoy working with their hands, constructing and repairing mechanical and electrical equipment.
- Have good spatial comprehension and mechanical aptitude.
- Have an aptitude for math and applied science.
- Have strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Enjoy logic based decision making.
- Are willing to work at heights, in confined spaces and out-of-doors in all conditions.
- Can work independently.
- Seek variety in their career.
- Enjoy challenges, problem solving and innovation.
- Enjoy working in a commercial or industrial environment.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
ACR1410
Course Name:
Introduction to Electricity and Controls for AC and R
Course Description:
Electricity forms the power source and control method of a typical air conditioning and refrigeration (AC and R) system. The apprentice lear... + Read More
Hours:
72.0
Code:
ACR1412
Course Name:
AC and R System Operation and Components
Course Description:
The complexity of installing and servicing ACR systems requires an understanding of the four crucial mechanical components and a multitude o... + Read More
Hours:
72.0
Code:
ACR1413
Course Name:
AC and R Piping Installation
Course Description:
Brazing and soldering are the common techniques for installing and modifying flow components and piping in ACR systems. The apprentice learn... + Read More
Hours:
48.0
Code:
ACR1711
Course Name:
AC and R System Installation and Maintenance
Course Description:
Service and installation skills are foundational to a career in ACR. Environmental issues related to trade, codes, acts and regulations are ... + Read More
Hours:
48.0
Code:
ACR1420
Course Name:
Electricity and Controls for AC and R Systems
Course Description:
Troubleshooting and repair in the field of ACR requires an in-depth knowledge of electrical principles and application. The apprentices lear... + Read More
Hours:
72.0
Code:
ACR1421
Course Name:
AC and R Science and Blueprints
Course Description:
A skilled tradesperson working in the ACR field must be able to select and verify the application and capacity of equipment. Conditions and... + Read More
Hours:
48.0
Code:
ACR1422
Course Name:
Installation of AC and R Systems and Components
Course Description:
Proper techniques are critical to a high quality ACR installation. Apprentices learn high level skills in the installation of major and mino... + Read More
Hours:
120.0
Code:
ACR1430
Course Name:
Electricity and Electronics for HVAC
Course Description:
Electricity and its various applications, through either electrical, electro-mechanical or electronic methods is central to every ACR system... + Read More
Hours:
96.0
Code:
ACR1431
Course Name:
HVACR Systems and Thermofluids
Course Description:
Understanding the science behind the common term "air conditioning" requires an understanding of the principles involved in heat transfer an... + Read More
Hours:
96.0
Code:
ACR1432
Course Name:
HVACR Design, Distribution and Blueprints
Course Description:
The ability to examine a schematic, diagram, drawing, plan or blueprint, and quickly ascertain the location and specifications of equipment,... + Read More
Hours:
48.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates are apprentices and mechanics employed as building systems and/or field service technicians, installers, designers, consultants, entrepreneurs, sales representatives, and parts counter clerks with a variety of employers, such as residential, commercial and industrial air conditioning and refrigeration contractors, subcontractors, engineering and design firms, research labs and museums, manufacturers, and government agencies and public utilities. It is very common for air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics to hold other trade licenses, specifically a Certificate of Qualification as a gas technician.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ablity to:
- Relate effectively to refrigeration and air conditioning supervisors, coworkers, and customers.
- Work safely and in accordance with all applicable acts, regulations, legislation, and codes to ensure personal and public safety.
- Solve routine refrigeration and air conditioning problems and perform calculations by applying the fundamentals of mathematics and physics.
- Read, develop, and interpret various drawings and utilize the information to follow the proper sequence of operations for refrigeration, air conditioning systems, and associated components.
- Assist in the installation and start-up operations of refrigeration and air conditioning systems under the supervision of a certified technician.
- Identify strategies for ongoing personal and professional development, that will lead to enhanced work performance and career opportunities, and keep pace with industry changes.
- Identify various cooling system mechanical and electrical failures as related to cooling or heating cooling combination systems in residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional settings.
- Select and use refrigeration and air conditioning hand tools and operate and test equipment for their intended purposes.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2023/2024 Academic Year
Tuition Fees: $400 per level.
Incidental Fee: $150 per level.
Information Technology Fee: $43.86 per level.
Apprentices are responsible for supplying their own textbooks as required. Books and supplies can be purchased at the campus store. Expenses total approximately $1000 for each in-school level.
Students are responsible for parking and locker fees, if applicable.
All students are responsible to supply their own personal protective equipment (such as CSA-approved safety footwear, non-tinted protective eyewear, hearing protection, gloves, hard hat, fire-resistant coveralls) as required in each lab environment.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program).
Program Eligibility
- Prospective students must be registered apprentices with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development and must be a member in good standing with Skilled Trades Ontario (STO).
- Eligibility is determined by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.
Application Information
REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS TECHNIQUES - APPRENTICESHIP
Program Code 0500X01FWO
Registration for Apprenticeship programs takes place through the Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development.
For further information, contact:
Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development
347 Preston Street 3rd Floor, Suite 310
Ottawa, ON K1S 3H8
https://www.ontario.ca/page/start-apprenticeship
Telephone: 613-731-7100
Toll-free: 1-877-221-1220