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

Entrance Requirements

High School Graduates or Equivalent
High School Graduates or equivalent are eligible for admission to the RACM program. Students must complete an application form and provide a copy of High School, Adult Basic Education, or G.E.D. results. Under certain circumstances, students who do not meet the formal High School requirements may be accepted upon the recommendation of a High School Principal or Guidance Counsellor. Please contact an Admissions Officer for further details.

Mature Students
Mature students are eligible for admission to the RACM program. These students must be 19 years of age or older, complete an application form, provide a copy of most recent marks, and write a Canadian Adult Achievement Test (CAAT) as arranged by Academy Canada.