Overview

Our intensive, 12-week Pre-Employment Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics program is pivotal for starting an apprenticeship in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry.

Our curriculum thoroughly covers the same training a first-year Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic apprentice would receive, integrating practical skill-building and safety training.

As a student, you will: 

  • learn the basic principles of refrigeration systems and their applications 
  • get practical experience with the tools and equipment used in the trade 
  • learn techniques for diagnosing and troubleshooting system malfunctions 
  • learn to install various types of refrigeration and air conditioning systems 
  • learn routine maintenance to ensure system longevity and efficiency 
  • gain knowledge of environmental controls and regulations pertinent to refrigerants and systems. 
Graduates boast a very high employment rate, signifying the demand for skilled mechanics in this field. 

Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics tend to be objective, methodical and innovative. 

You need: 

  • mechanical aptitude and interest 
  • coordination and manual dexterity 
  • strength and stamina 
  • the ability to work with others and deal with customers 
  • the ability to drive a service truck to worksites.
You should enjoy variety, solving problems and working with little supervision. 

This program aligns with the first period of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training’s (AIT) Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic curriculum.

Graduates are eligible to register as apprentices and challenge the first-period exam.

Once you pass the exam and complete the necessary training hours with an employer, you may register for SAIT’s Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic apprenticeship program beginning in period two.

Upon successful completion of the program, you’ll receive a SAIT Pre-Employment Refrigeration Pre-Employment Certificate. 

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni. 

people icon 100% graduate employment rate

salary icon $51,350 average starting salary

Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 72302, 72402, 72420, 73200.

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Career counselling and support

Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.

You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.

Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.

Services and workshops

Courses

The Pre-Employment Refrigeration and Air Conditioning certificate requires 16.5 credits (six courses) to complete.

The Pre-Employment Refrigeration certificate requires 16.5 credits (6 courses) to complete.

Course Credits

This course covers materials in Section 4 of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Apprenticeship Course Outline for Period 1 published by the Government of Alberta as version 014 (2022) of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Apprenticeship Trade Profile on the website of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training located at https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/SOURCES/PDFs/curriculum_guides/014_outline.pdf

1.5

This course covers materials in Section 3 of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Apprenticeship Course Outline for Period 1 published by the Government of Alberta as version 014 (2022) of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Apprenticeship Trade Profile on the website of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training located at http://tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca.

3

This course covers materials in Section 2, subsection J, K and L of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Apprenticeship Course Outline for Period 1 published by the Government of Alberta as version 014 (2022) of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Apprenticeship Trade Profile on the website of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

1.5

This seminar is based on Environment Canada’s Code of Practice for Reducing CFC Emissions in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems. The course and the Participants Manual supplied deal with the proper handling of CFC/HCFC/HFC and will prepare the participants for complying with Provincial and Federal regulations covering refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Upon successful completion, the certification required to purchase and handle refrigerants across Canada will be provided via the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI). This course is suitable for residential commercial, industrial, domestic, automotive and mobile applications.

1.5

This course covers materials in Section 2 of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Apprenticeship Course Outline for Period 1 published by the Government of Alberta as version 014 (2022) of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Apprenticeship Trade Profile on the website of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, located at http://tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca

3

This course covers materials in Section 1 of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Apprenticeship Course Outline for Period 1 published by the Government of Alberta as version 014 (2022) of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Apprenticeship Trade Profile on the website of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, located at http://tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca

6

Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure >

Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and have successfully completed the following courses or equivalents:

  • Math 30-1, or Math 30-2 or Math 30-3, AND,
  • English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2, AND,
  • Physics 20 or Chemistry 20.

General Educational Development (GED) tests are not accepted in lieu of the admission requirements.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English Language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options.

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

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Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

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English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Learn more

Available intakes

Winter 2024

Start dates:

Domestic students: Closed
  • Application deadline: March 1, 2024

Fall 2024

Start dates:

Domestic students: Waitlisted
  • Application deadline: June 28, 2024

Winter 2025

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: Oct. 25, 2024
Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: Oct. 25, 2024

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following estimated costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 0.5* $5,626.50 $159 $5,785.50
Total cost:
$5,785.50

*Less than a full semester of 16 weeks.

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.

Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

Required personal protective equipment (PPE)

  • Steel toe or equivalent work boots
  • Leatherwork gloves
  • Safety glasses 
  • Ear/hearing protection (if you prefer non-disposable types. SAIT provides disposable hearing protection.)

2023/24 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective until June 30, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 0.5* $5,626.50 $157 $5,783.50
Total cost:
$5,783.50

*Less than a full semester of 16 weeks.

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Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Learn more
Canada Alberta Job Grant icon

This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.

Application process

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

Communication during admission

Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the construction.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.

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Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal. 

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants.

Apply now

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

  • What sets SAIT apart
  • An introduction to the program and area of study
  • Admission requirements
  • Future career paths
  • Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Contact us

School of Construction Advising

Phone
403.284.8367
Email
construction.info@sait.ca