Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (Apprenticeship)
Become a journeyperson in the residential air conditioning industry.
- Fulfills the in class requirement for your apprenticeship; prepares you to work as a skilled technician after writing the exam for your Red Seal Certification to work across Canada
- Air conditioning and refrigeration technicians may hold other trade licenses, such as a Certificate of Qualification as a Gas Technician to be more employable and multi-faceted
- 24 week program divided into three 8-week sessions where you attend class/labs for 30 hours per week then return to work for 8-12 months
Program Availability and Schedule
Schedule
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Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
The Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic Algonquin College Certificate program is designed for registered apprentices who are invited to register at the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU). Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic is a compulsory trade in Ontario and requires certification.
If you are considering a future as a residential air conditioning systems mechanic, you may find a career as a(n):...(read more)
Overview
Become a journeyperson in the residential air conditioning industry.
The Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic Algonquin College Certificate program is designed for registered apprentices who are invited to register at the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU). Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic is a compulsory trade in Ontario and requires certification.
If you are considering a future as a residential air conditioning systems mechanic, you may find a career as a(n):
- installer
- field service technician
- designer
- consultant
You may also find employment as an entrepreneur, sales representative or parts counter clerk. If you want to learn more about apprenticeships, visit www.earnwhileyoulearn.ca for detailed information.
For Registered Apprentices: This program fulfills the in-class requirements for your apprenticeship. It is broken into two levels where you alternate between going to class for 8-weeks and honing your skills through working in the field for 8 - 12 months.
During your labs, you learn about:
- mechanical and cooling cycle components
- electricity and installation procedures
- construction health and safety.
You are also introduced to soldering and brazing with a torch. In the advanced level, you study AC systems and controls, plan reading and sketching, cooling load calculations and psychrometrics.
At the end of this program, you qualify to write the exam to receive a certificate of qualification in the Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic trade in Ontario.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for apprentices who:
- Enjoy working with their hands, constructing and repairing mechanical and electrical equipment.
- Have good spatial comprehension and mechanical aptitude.
- Have an aptitude for math and applied science.
- Have strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Enjoy logic-based decision making.
- Are willing to work at heights, in confined spaces and out-of-doors in all conditions.
- Can work independently.
- Seek variety in their career.
- Enjoy challenges, problem solving and innovation.
- Enjoy working in a residential environment, and interacting with homeowners, tenants and clients.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
ACR1410
Course Name:
Introduction to Electricity and Controls for AC and R
Course Description:
Electricity forms the power source and control method of a typical air conditioning and refrigeration (AC and R) system. The apprentice lear... + Read More
Hours:
72.0
Code:
ACR1412
Course Name:
AC and R System Operation and Components
Course Description:
The complexity of installing and servicing ACR systems requires an understanding of the four crucial mechanical components and a multitude o... + Read More
Hours:
72.0
Code:
ACR1413
Course Name:
AC and R Piping Installation
Course Description:
Brazing and soldering are the common techniques for installing and modifying flow components and piping in ACR systems. The apprentice learn... + Read More
Hours:
48.0
Code:
ACR1711
Course Name:
AC and R System Installation and Maintenance
Course Description:
Service and installation skills are foundational to a career in ACR. Environmental issues related to trade, codes, acts and regulations are ... + Read More
Hours:
48.0
Code:
ACR1440
Course Name:
Electricity and Electronics for Residential HVAC
Course Description:
Electricity and its various applications, through either electrical, electro-mechanical or electronic methods is central to every ACR system... + Read More
Hours:
96.0
Code:
ACR1441
Course Name:
Residential HVAC Systems and Thermofluids
Course Description:
Apprentices will develop a deep understanding of the components in an air conditioning or heat pump system, their function, and how to insta... + Read More
Hours:
96.0
Code:
ACR1442
Course Name:
Residential HVAC Design, Distribution and Blueprints
Course Description:
Residential air conditioning installation and servicing requires a thorough knowledge of ductwork, piping and plans. Apprentices learn the l... + Read More
Hours:
48.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates are apprentices and mechanics employed as installers, field service technicians, designers, consultants, entrepreneurs, sales representatives, and parts counter clerks with a variety of employers, such as residential contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers,engineering and design firms, real estate developers and housing boards. It is common for residential air conditioning mechanics to hold other trade licenses.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2024/2025 Academic Year
Tuition Fees: $400 per level.
Incidental Fee: $150 per level.
Information Technology Fee: $43.86 per level.
Apprentices are responsible for supplying their own textbooks as required. Books and supplies can be purchased at the campus store.
Expenses total approximately $1,000 for each in-school level.
Students are responsible for parking and locker fees, if applicable.
All students are responsible to supply their own personal protective equipment (such as CSA-approved safety footwear, non-tinted protective eyewear, hearing protection, gloves, hard hat, fire-resistant coveralls) as required in each lab environment.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
Program Eligibility
- Eligibility is determined by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.
- Applicants must be formally registered as apprentices and be released by their sponsor to attend the College.
Application Information
RESIDENTIAL AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS MECHANIC (APPRENTICESHIP)
Program Code 0500R01FWO
Registration for Apprenticeship programs takes place through the Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development.
For further information, contact:
Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development
347 Preston Street 3rd Floor, Suite 310
Ottawa, ON K1S 3H8
https://www.ontario.ca/page/start-apprenticeship
Telephone: 613-731-7100
Toll-free: 1-877-221-1220