Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics are in high demand. You’ll be prepared to ensure comfort in homes, businesses, and industries, as well as support the global cold chain for food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and biological products.
The Harmonized Refrigeration Air Conditioning Mechanic apprenticeship consists of:
- 3 levels of technical training
- 4680 work-based training hours
- writing the Interprovincial (Red Seal) examination for journeyperson-certification. Learn more about the Application Process for Apprenticeship Technical Training.
Level 1 (6 weeks)
Level 1 is also covered in VIU's Refrigeration Air-Conditioning Mechanic certificate program.
Level 1 consists of 180 hours of classroom and shop activities:
- safety practices
- use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- lock-out and tag-out procedures
- use of tools and equipment
- mathematics, science, drawings and specifications
- codes and standards
- communication techniques
- electrical and electronic skills
- refrigeration and air conditioning theory
- system installations
- system maintenance
Level 2 (7 weeks)
Level 2 consists of 210 hours of classroom and shop activities:
- refrigeration code
- air measurement tools
- application of computers in trade
- transformers, Modulating motors
- single phase motors
- three phase motors
- heat transfer, insulation
- multi-temp, centrifugal systems
- food preservation
- air conditioning fundamentals
- refrigeration system components
- introduction to gas theory
Level 3 (10 weeks)
Level 3 consists of 300 hours of classroom and shop activities:
- use of computers in the trade
- codes and regulations for gas, electrical, and refrigeration
- electronics, PLCs, proportional controls, and building automation
- ECM and VFD
- refrigeration system components
- variable refrigerant flow
- psychometric calculations
- use heat gain and loss calculations
- contractual documents and quotes
- system selection, material take-off, and installation
- service, troubleshooting, and maintenance
- gas theory
- gas appliances
- gas system components
- gas safety, distribution, and controls
Admission information
- successfully completed the previous apprenticeship level
- registered as an apprentice with SkilledTradesBC
- have an employer sponsor
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees include supply fees, student activity fee, student services fee and VIU Students’ Union fee.
Costs are for budgeting purposes only and will be confirmed when you register for the course.
| Apprenticeship level | Tuition | Additional mandatory student fees | Domestic total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 705.18 | 122.58 | 827.76 |
| Level 2 | 822.71 | 143.01 | 965.72 |
| Level 3 | 1,175.30 | 204.30 | 1,379.60 |
| Full program | 2,703.19 | 469.89 | 3173.08 |
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Start dates for all apprenticeship training in BC can be found on Trades Training BC. Apprenticeship training classes at Vancouver Island University fill on a first-come, first-registered basis. There are waiting lists for many trades and apprenticeship levels.
Please contact the Apprenticeship Admissions and Registration Assistant for seat availability and waitlist information:
Email: apprentice@viu.ca
Phone: 250.740.6227
An Apprenticeship Admissions and Registration Assistant can help with your questions:
- email apprentice@viu.ca
- call us at 250-740-6227.
- visit the Trades and Applied Technology office in Building 180, Room 110
- open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm
Financial help for apprentices
There is WorkBC, Employment Insurance, Canada Apprentice Loans and tax credits to help
Financial Aid & Awards
The Financial Aid & Awards office can direct you to grants, student loans and more
