Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic (Pre-Employment)

Program Description

Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics (RACM) install, maintain, repair and overhaul residential central air conditioning systems, commercial and industrial refrigeration and air conditioning systems and combined heating, ventilation and cooling systems. In addition to installation and repair, main duties may include blueprint reading and interpretation, troubleshooting, leak testing, and preparing estimates for clients.

Source: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016

Please note that due to the nature of this career, employees are required to tolerate regular physical activity during the course of their work day. If you have any medical concerns, please contact your admissions officer to ensure you are aware of the requirements of the occupation and to determine if you are eligible for accommodations in this program.

Pre-Employment Courses

• Occupational Health and Safety
• WHMIS
• Standard First Aid
• Ozone Depletion Substances
• Safety
• Hoisting, Lifting, Rigging, and Access/Egress Equipment
• Tools and Equipment
• Refrigeration Fundamentals
• Refrigerants, Gases and Oils
• Compressor Fundamentals
• Valves and Safety Devices
• Piping, Tubing, Soldering, and Brazing
• Leak Testing, Evaluation, and Charging
• Electrical Fundamentals
• Motor Fundamentals
• Trade Related Documentation and Work Organization
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Installation
• Pressure Enthalpy Diagrams and Systems Analysis
• Evaporators
• Residential and Commercial Compressors
• Condensers
• Metering Devices
• Refrigerant Flow Controls and Accessory Devices
• Air Conditioning Fundamentals
• Air Movement and Indoor Air Quality
• Control Fundamentals
• Control Circuits and Wiring Diagrams
• Blueprints, Drawings and Specifications
• Math Fundamentals
• Introduction to Essential Skills
• Refrigeration Math Fundamentals
• Communications Essentials
• Workplace Essentials
• Computer Essentials

Apprenticeship Training

The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic (Pre-Employment) program is an apprenticeship trades program. Courses completed at Academy Canada meet the requirements to become a first-year apprentice. Once this training is completed and the graduate obtains their first position in the trade, s/he must register as an Apprentice with the Department of Education. Government will then cover the costs associated with regular advanced training as the apprentice gains experience and works towards completing their Journeyperson exam. Passing this examination will result in receiving Red Seal Certification.

Employment Opportunities

Build Force Canada (2019-2028 Highlights) - Non-residential market rankings, Newfoundland and Labrador (2025-2028)
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic: Ranked as 3

Ranked as 3 -The availability of workers meeting employer qualifications in the local market may be limited by large projects, plant shutdowns or other short-term increases in demand. Employers may need to compete to attract needed workers.

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics are employed by heating, refrigeration and air conditioning installation contractors, various industrial settings, food wholesalers, engineering firms and retail and servicing establishments.

Source: Statistics Canada- NOC 2016 Version