Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

In light of growing concerns about spreading incidents of COVID-19 (coronavirus) infection, Okanagan College has decided to postpone some 2020 Trades Foundation program intakes. Please check here to view up-to-date intake dates.

This 25-week (750 hours) program is designed to take a student with little or no previous experience in the heating, air conditioning and refrigeration industry and supply the student with the necessary skills to seek employment in that industry as an apprentice. It also provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals of installing, servicing, and troubleshooting all aspects of heating, ventilating and airconditioning/refrigeration equipment.

Graduates of this program may receive credit for Level 1 apprenticeship technical training and may also be granted practical credit from the Industry Training Authority. In order to complete the apprenticeship and become a journeyperson, graduates would return to school to complete Level 2 (seven weeks), Level 3 (ten weeks) and Level 4 (ten weeks).

The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Apprenticeship program consists of five years of on-the-job experience combined with four levels of in-school technical training in order to be eligible to write the Interprovincial (Red Seal) Examination through the Industry Training Authority.

Good hand/eye coordination and problem solving skills with attention to detail are desirable qualities for individuals pursuing a career in this field.

Admission Requirements

• B.C. secondary school graduation, or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for a minimum of one year as of the first day of classes.

• English 10 with minimum 50% or alternatives.

• Math requirement:

A minimum of 50% in any of:

• Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics Grade 10
• Workplace Mathematics 10
• Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-Calculus Grade 10
• Mathematics 10
• Adult Basic Education MATH 071 and MATH 072

The ABLE mathematics test scores are only good for two (2) years.

Applicants who have not satisfied the Math requirement within the last seven (7) years must write the ABLE Mathematics test and must receive a minimum of 50%.

Components

Graduation Requirements

An overall average of 70% calculated on a weighted percentage, based on time allocation.