How to become an HVAC technician in BC
Red Seal Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic · British Columbia
Install and fix heating and cooling systems. You need a four-year apprenticeship: paid work plus school blocks.
THE ROUTE
The route at a glance
High School Preparation (Grades 11–12)
Graduate high school with math and physics
Entry Route (Foundation vs Direct Sponsor)
Complete HVAC Foundation or get hired as an apprentice
SkilledTradesBC Apprenticeship Registration
Sign SkilledTradesBC apprenticeship agreement
4 Levels of Technical Training & 6,000 Hours
Log 6,000 work hours and finish 4 college levels
Interprovincial Red Seal Examination
Score 70%+ on Interprovincial Red Seal exam
Red Seal HVAC Journeyperson & Gas Endorsement
Work as a Red Seal HVAC Journeyperson & Gas Fitter
High School Preparation (Grades 11–12)
Graduate high school with math and physics
Entry Route (Foundation vs Direct Sponsor)
Complete HVAC Foundation or get hired as an apprentice
SkilledTradesBC Apprenticeship Registration
Sign SkilledTradesBC apprenticeship agreement
4 Levels of Technical Training & 6,000 Hours
Log 6,000 work hours and finish 4 college levels
Interprovincial Red Seal Examination
Score 70%+ on Interprovincial Red Seal exam
Red Seal HVAC Journeyperson & Gas Endorsement
Work as a Red Seal HVAC Journeyperson & Gas Fitter
This is the overview. For the courses to take, the entry rules, the exams and the schools, open the full route.
See the full route, step by step →THE JOB
What the job is like
Pay and outlook from WorkBC.
You install, troubleshoot, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems in buildings and supermarkets.
Handle high-pressure refrigerants safely and use fall protection when servicing equipment on rooftops in extreme weather.
You can establish an independent commercial HVAC and refrigeration servicing company.
You can also earn dual-ticket Class A Gasfitter certification to service large industrial burners.
JOBS
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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
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