Overview
Learn to install, maintain, repair and overhaul industrial, commercial and residential refrigeration and air conditioning systems and their component parts.
If you like to work with little supervision, like having a variety of tasks and are a creative problem solver, you will enjoy a career as a refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic.
At installation sites, you'll work from drawings or verbal instructions to:
- mount or place system components
- assemble and install refrigeration or air conditioning systems and components
- install and calibrate related controls (including wiring) and start-up systems
- test lines to detect leaks
- and record the readings taken to ensure that the system is functioning satisfactorily
Maintenance work involves checking all parts of a system, lubricating moving parts and monitoring the refrigerant charge. When there is a malfunction, you will diagnose the problem and fix the unit by replacing or repairing controls, electric wiring or other parts. You may also repair heating equipment, troubleshoot gas-fired equipment and calibrate all gas-related controls.
This is a compulsory trade - to work in this trade you need to hold a recognized trade certificate or be a registered apprentice.
Is this the right fit for me?
Students who have the following characteristics see greater success in the trade:
- mechanical ability and interest
- good coordination and manual dexterity,
- strength, stamina and the use of proper lifting techniques required to handle heavy tools and parts weighing up to 25 kilograms,
- the ability to work well with co-workers and deal with customers
- the ability to drive a service truck to worksites
- pride in workmanship and the desire to attain a superior level of expertise
- a commitment to safe work habits
Credentials
Upon successfully completing the required working hours and apprenticeship education periods, graduates will be awarded journeyperson status by Alberta’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
This is a Red Seal Endorsed trade – a recognizable standard that allows tradespeople to work across Canada.
Career opportunities
Start your career by finding an employer who is willing to indenture you as an apprentice or get training in our Pre-Employment Refrigeration and Air Conditioning program. Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics usually work for companies that install and service air-conditioning and refrigeration systems.
After becoming a journeyperson, you may advance to supervisory positions, specialize in a type of repair or take on new apprentices. Some journeypersons go on to run their own businesses – we can help you build your business with our Blue Seal business certificate.
Tuition and fees per year*
- Period 1: $1,263
- Period 2: $1,263
- Period 3: $1,263
- Period 4: $1,263
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Requirements
Entrance requirements for all apprenticeship programs are set by Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
When do classes start?
Registration for the 2022/23 academic year opens May 18, 2022.
| Period | Start date | End date |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 3, or 4 | Aug. 29, 2022 | Oct. 21, 2022 |
| 1, 2, 3, or 4 | Oct. 24, 2022 | Dec. 16, 2022 |
| 1, 2, 3, or 4 | Jan. 3, 2023 | Feb. 24, 2023 |
| 1, 2, 3, or 4 | Feb. 27, 2023 | April 21, 2023 |
| 3 or 4 | May 1, 2023 | June 23, 2023 |
Giving students a leg up on Giving Day
SAIT student finds himself in an untenable situation as he tries to finish his intake while living in his car. Fortunately, donor-sponsored emergency fund was there to help him out.
Admission and completion
To enter an apprenticeship, you must have the educational qualifications required or recommended education for the trade to which you apply.
Entrance requirements are monitored and set by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Minimum requirements
Successful completion of the following courses:
- English 30-2
- Math 30-3
- Physics 20 or Chemistry 20
OR
A pass mark in all five Canadian General Educational Development (GED) tests
OR
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Entrance Exam
Recommended path
Apprentices with an Alberta High School Diploma that includes the following courses:
- English 30-2
- Math 30-3
- Physics 30 or Chemistry 30
- Related career and technology studies (CTS) courses
How to register
Registration for apprenticeship education is run through Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. Learn how you can register for your next intake.
Apprenticeship and Industry Training Client Services
1.800.248.4823
tradesecrets.alberta.ca
Suite 200 Willow Park Centre
10325 Bonaventure DR. SE
Calgary, AB
After you register
Email is the primary source of communication after you have registered for your intake. Please ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Training
The term of apprenticeship for a refrigeration and air condition mechanic is 4 years (four 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of apprenticeship education each year.
apprenticeship education performance
To be successful in apprenticeship education, an apprentice must pass each section of the course and pass the AIT exam. The passing grade for each section in the course is a 65%. A passing mark on each provincial exam Exam and the Interprovincial Qualification (or Red Seal Exam) is 70%.
Costs 2022/23
Tuition and fees*
| Period | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $960 | $231 | $72 | $1,263 |
| 2 | $960 | $231 | $72 | $1,263 |
| 3 | $960 | $231 | $72 | $1,263 |
| 4 | $960 | $231 | $72 | $1,263 |
SAIT fees
Campus recreation fee: $49
Lab and material fee: $82
Student support fee: $50
Student technology fee: $50
Books and supplies*
- Books or modules along with other items for class average out to $600 per period.
- It is recommended that you do not purchase books or modules ahead of time as they might be outdated by the time you attend classes and they cannot be returned to the bookstore.
- Personal Protective Equipment will be required for the program, which may be an additional cost to apprentices.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
