Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics make, install, repair and service residential, commercial and industrial cooling and heating systems. Some work in building maintenance, servicing the air conditioning systems in high-rise office buildings. Others specialize in repairing small, portable refrigeration and freezing units. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics measure, cut and connect piping using welding and brazing equipment. They also recharge systems with refrigerant gases as required. They may connect rooftop units to gas, test and balance systems and connect electrical systems. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics must be able to use and adjust computerized controls, use computer software to calculate loads, and work on large machines.

Note: This trade is transitioning to a Pan-Canadian Harmonized program, so it is important that Apprentices understand how that impacts their training path. This trade will also fall under mandatory certification, effective December 1, 2023. Details on these changes can be found via SkilledTradesBC, or contact your trainer for the most current updates.

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic is a nationally designated trade under the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program.

Other programs in this sector:


Explore job expectations, education requirements, salary and more:WorkBC Career Profile

Recommendations

The following education is recommended: Grade 10 (Grade 12 preferred), including English 10, Math 10, and Science 10.

 

The Apprenticeship Program comprises Levels 1-to-4 of progressive technical training, with each Level taking from 6-10 weeks (180-300 hours) to complete. In addition, apprentices are required to accumulate 6,210 hours of work-based training.

 

A Foundation Program can jump-start your career without employer sponsorship by supplying the knowledge and skills to enter directly at Level 2, after 25 weeks of training (refer to SkilledTradesBC for alternative paths into the occupation).

PROGRAM TYPES

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Okanagan College

Duncan Ave. Penticton

Jan 28 2025Jul 18 2025

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Okanagan College

Vernon, BC

Feb 03 2025Aug 29 2025

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Thompson Rivers University

Kamloops

Feb 03 2025Jul 25 2025

Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Camosun College

Interurban

Feb 10 2025Sep 05 2025

Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Van. Island University

Cowichan

Mar 24 2025Nov 13 2025

Refrigeration (HL)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

BCIT

BBY - Burnaby

Apr 01 2025Dec 11 2026

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (Technician) Coop - Harmonized

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Thompson Rivers University

Kamloops

Jul 28 2025Jan 30 2026

Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Okanagan College

Duncan Ave. Penticton

Aug 26 2025Feb 27 2026

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Van. Island University

Cowichan

Sep 02 2025May 07 2026

Refrigeration (HL)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

BCIT

BBY - Burnaby

Sep 02 2025Mar 13 2026

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Foundation

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

BCIT

BBY - Burnaby

Sep 22 2025Jul 24 2026

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (Technician) - (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Camosun College

Interurban

Oct 20 2025May 15 2026

Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Okanagan College

Duncan Ave. Penticton

Jan 27 2026Jul 17 2026

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Okanagan College

Vernon, BC

Feb 02 2026Jul 23 2026

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Thompson Rivers University

Kamloops

Feb 02 2026Jul 24 2026

Refrigeration Mechanic (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Van. Island University

Nanaimo

Mar 23 2026Nov 12 2026

Refrigeration (HL)