Refrigeration & AC Systems Mechanic (Apprenticeship)

Program description

This 720-hour program, consisting of three 240-hour levels, will provide you with the in-school training for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (313A). The program is designed to provide you with theoretical knowledge of all aspects of refrigeration and air conditioning systems and the practical training necessary to complement your on-the-job training experience. Completion of this program, confers the graduate an Ontario College Certificate titled Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic Apprenticeship.

Program details

Code: 1467

Delivery: Apprenticeship

Length: 720 hours

Start: Varies

Campus: Cambridge - Reuter Drive

Credential: Ontario College Certificate

Program contacts

trades@conestogac.on.ca

Academic school

Trades & Apprenticeship

Fees & payment

Fees are set by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development as per the Offer of Classroom Training.
Books, safety equipment, tools, and parking fees are additional. For details, visit Orientation & support.
Applicants are registered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Awards & scholarships

Conestoga College's Student Financial Services administers many awards, bursaries, scholarships and academic grants. Information and application forms for numerous awards, bursaries and scholarships are administered by Student Financial Services.

Many program-specific awards are administered by individual programs. Students should speak to their faculty or program coordinators about additional awards available in their program specific areas.

Courses

Level 1

Course details

Electrical Fundamentals
ELEC1125

Description: The apprentice will learn to describe the operating principles and fundamentals of an electrical system and components used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Trade Practices
MECH1850

Description: The apprentice will learn to describe the responsibilities of employers and employees relating to safe working practices and protection of the environment in accordance with applicable Acts, Regulations, Legislation, and Codes.

Hours: 16
Credits: 1
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Mechanical Cooling Cycle Fundamentals
MECH1860

Description: The apprentice will learn to describe, in detail, the fundamentals of a mechanical cooling cycle.

Hours: 24
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Mechanical Cooling Cycle Components
MECH1870

Description: The apprentice will learn to describe the operating principles and function of the mechanical cooling system components and accessories.

Hours: 48
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Installation of Mechanical Cooling Systems
MECH1880

Description: The apprentice will learn to demonstrate procedures for the installation and commissioning of mechanical cooling systems.

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Basic Mechanical Procedures
MECH1890

Description: The apprentice will be able identify procedures for the inspection and basic maintenance of mechanical cooling systems and components.

Hours: 16
Credits: 1
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Cutting, Soldering, Brazing and Welding
WELD1810

Description: In this course, the student is introduced to the concepts of Oxy-Fuel Welding (OFW), Air Acetylene Welding (AAW), Brazing (OFB), and Oxy-Fuel Cutting (OFC). Online theory modules will cover the safe set up and working practices of these processes as well as introduce the fundamental concepts involved in each process operation. The shop component will enable the student to implement safe working practices along with skills development in OFW, AAW, OFB, and the OFC process. This will include learning about the required equipment and demonstrating proper and safe set up procedures. Shop practice will see the student weld various joint types on mild steel using the above welding processes and using the OFC process to make straight and bevel cuts, pierce holes and cut shapes out of mild steel plate.

Hours: 24
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Plans, Specifications, and Load Calculations – Industrial, Commercial, Institutional (ICI)
DRWG2300

Description: The apprentice will learn to interpret building plans; demonstrate freehand sketching; gather data for the refrigeration storage of products; and calculate heat gain in refrigeration and air conditioning systems for Industrial, Commercial, or Institutional (ICI) applications.

Hours: 24
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Electrical and Control Systems – Industrial, Commercial, Institutional (ICI)
ELEC2040

Description: The apprentice will learn to describe the operating principles and function of electrical components and controls used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems for Industrial, Commercial, or Institutional (ICI) applications.

Hours: 64
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Pressure Enthalpy and Refrigerants - Industrial Commercial Institutional
MECH2400

Description: The apprentice will learn to interpret thermodynamic tables; plot or determine cooling cycles from pressure enthalpy information; and, describe the application of fluorocarbons, ammonia, and other refrigerants used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems in Industrial, Commercial, or Institutional (ICI) applications.

Hours: 32
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Cooling Systems and Components - Industrial Commercial, Institutional
MECH2410

Description: The apprentice will learn to describe the operating principles and function of cooling systems and components used for refrigeration and cooling systems in Industrial, Commercial, or Institutional (ICI) applications.

Hours: 32
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Systems Design and Installation - Industrial, Commercial, Institutional (ICI)
MECH2420

Description: The apprentice will learn to interpret design documentation; plan and prepare for an installation; describe installation procedures; and describe charging and commissioning of refrigeration and air conditioning systems for Industrial, Commercial, or Institutional (ICI) applications.

Hours: 72
Credits: 5
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Material Handling Procedures
MECH2430

Description: The apprentice will learn to identify procedures for the handling and operation of material handling equipment in accordance with the Construction Safety Association of Ontario guidelines.

Hours: 16
Credits: 1
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Level 3

Course details

Prints and Heat Load Calculations – Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI)
DRWG3170

Description: In this course, the apprentice will learn to interpret building drawings and job documentation; demonstrate sketching for installations; identify heat sources; and perform heat gain and heat loss calculations for refrigeration and air conditioning systems in Industrial, Commercial, or Institutional (ICI) applications.

Hours: 16
Credits: 1
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Electronic Devices and Controls – Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI)
ELCN3000

Description: In this course the apprentice will learn to describe procedures for installing and maintaining electronic devices and controls on refrigeration and air conditioning systems in Industrial, Commercial, or Institutional (ICI) applications.

Hours: 16
Credits: 1
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Advanced Electrical and Control Systems – Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI)
ELEC3070

Description: In this course the apprentice will learn to describe the operating principles and function of electrical and control systems on refrigeration and air conditioning systems in Industrial, Commercial, or Institutional (ICI) applications.

Hours: 88
Credits: 6
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Exam Preparation
MECH0020

Description: This 30 hour course is designed to prepare the apprentice to write their Certificate of Qualification. It will consist of a review of the materials, trade math, documentation, and prints and codes that have been covered in previous levels one and two of Trade school. The student will also have a review of current level three material, apprentices will gain confidence by reviewing previous material and have an opportunity to explore known areas of difficulties in the Refrigeration and AC Systems Mechanic Apprenticeship Program. Note: This course is separate from the level three advanced program, sponsored totally by the MTCU and has no grade assigned.

Hours: 30
Credits: 0
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Applied Psychrometrics – Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI)
MECH3120

Description: The apprentice will learn to interpret a psychrometric graphs, construct psychrometric diagrams; interpret psychrometric graphs; and analyze data on psychrometric diagrams used for refrigeration and air conditioning systems in Industrial, Commercial, or Institutional (ICI) applications.

Hours: 24
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Air Cooling Systems – Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI)
MECH3130

Description: The apprentice will learn to describe maintenance procedures for refrigeration and air cooling systems in Industrial, Commercial, or Institutional (ICI) applications.

Hours: 64
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Air Distribution Systems and Accessories – Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI)
MECH3140

Description: In this course the apprentice will learn to describe the operating principles and functions of air distribution systems on refrigeration and air conditioning systems in Industrial, Commercial, or Institutional (ICI) applications.

Hours: 32
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Program outcomes

Relate effectively to refrigeration and air conditioning supervisors, coworkers, and customers.
Work safely and in accordance with all applicable acts, regulations, legislation, and codes to ensure personal and public safety.
Solve routine refrigeration and air conditioning problems and perform calculations by applying the fundamentals of mathematics and physics.
Read, develop, and interpret various drawings and utilize the information to follow the proper sequence of operations for refrigeration, air conditioning systems, and associated components.
Assist in the installation and start-up operations of refrigeration and air conditioning systems under the supervision of a certified technician.
Identify strategies for ongoing personal and professional development, that will lead to enhanced work performance and career opportunities and keep pace with industry changes.
Identify various cooling system mechanical and electrical failures as related to cooling or heating cooling combination systems in residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional settings.

Program handbook

Graduate opportunities

Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics install and service residential, commercial, industrial and institutional heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration units and systems. They lay out reference points for installation, assemble and install components, install wiring to connect components to an electric power supply, and calibrate related controls. Graduates may find employment in refrigeration, cooling, and combined heating cooling combination systems including geoexchange systems in residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional settings. Examples of postions may include central air conditioning mechanic, commercial air conditioning mechanic, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic apprentice, and refrigeration mechanic.

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Program device & software requirements

This program requires you to have a device that meets certain specifications. For most students, this cost is in addition to the tuition & fees listed above.

view device requirements