HVAC technician training
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic Apprenticeship (Levels 1–4)
Part of the route toHVAC Technician·Certificate
Apprenticeship technical training covering commercial refrigeration cycles, air conditioning systems, and cooling controls.
How long
4 Years (7–10 Wks / Level)
Cost
Not published
Schools
4 in BC
🏫Where you can take this: 4 schools
THE ROUTE
How this program works, step by step
Grade 11 to the job. Open any step to see what is inside.
The route (8 steps)
1Grade 11 Preparation
2Grade 12 Graduation
3Admissions & Prerequisites
4Application Process
5Program Curriculum
6Where to Take It
7Licensing & Certification
8Career Destination
For the best view, open the map full screen.
STEP BY STEP
Step by step
The same route as the map, as a list.
1
Step 1 of 8
Grade 11
⏱ 1 School Year- Recommended: Grade 12 with Math 11 and Physics 11
- Grade 10 Math and English completion
2
Step 2 of 8
Grade 12
⏱ 1 School Year- Recommended: Grade 12 with Math 11 and Physics 11
3
Step 3 of 8
What you need to get in
- Registered apprentice with SkilledTradesBC and employer sponsor (or Refrigeration Foundation certificate)
- Registered apprentice with SkilledTradesBC in Refrigeration or HVAC Foundation certificate
- Active employer sponsorship
- Registered apprentice with SkilledTradesBC and employer sponsor
- Registered apprentice with SkilledTradesBC or Refrigeration Foundation certificate
4
Step 4 of 8
How to apply
- Register for 10-week annual technical training blocks at BCIT or authorized trade school
- Provide SkilledTradesBC apprentice number and employer verification
- Schedule training blocks during off-peak refrigeration service seasons
5
Step 5 of 8
HVAC technician training
⏱ 4 Years (7–10 Wks / Level)- 4 levels of technical training (10 weeks per level, 40 weeks total over 4 years)
- Thermodynamic refrigeration cycles, refrigerant properties, and compressor operations
- Electrical schematics, single and three-phase motor controls, and electronic thermostats
- Piping fabrication, brazing, leak detection, vacuum evacuation, and refrigerant recovery
- Commercial chillers, walk-in freezers, heat pumps, and building automation controls
6
Step 6 of 8
Where to take it
⏱ 4 schools in BC- British Columbia Institute of Technology — 6–10 weeks (Not published)
- Okanagan College — 4 years (Not published)
- Thompson Rivers University — 4 years (Not published)
- Piping Industry College of BC (UA Local 170) — 4 years (Not published)
7
Step 7 of 8
Exams and registration after
- Interprovincial Red Seal Examination (70% passing mark)
- SkilledTradesBC Certificate of Qualification
- Federal Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) environmental certificate
8
Step 8 of 8
Leads to: HVAC Technician
- Explore HVAC Technician wages, job outlook, and career pathways
SCHOOLS
Where you can take this(4 schools)
Compare tuitions, campus locations, and delivery formats across approved institutions in British Columbia.
🔬
Duration6–10 weeks
TuitionNot published
DeliveryIn-Person
“SkilledTradesBC & Technical Safety BC approved apprenticeship technical training in thermodynamics, refrigerant recovery, and commercial controls.”
🏔️
Duration4 years
TuitionNot published
DeliveryIn-Person
“SkilledTradesBC designated 4-level technical training for HVAC/R mechanics at Okanagan College Penticton.”
🐾
Duration4 years
TuitionNot published
DeliveryIn-Person
“SkilledTradesBC technical training for residential and commercial HVAC and cooling systems at TRU Kamloops.”
🧯
Duration4 years
TuitionNot published
DeliveryIn-Person
“Union HVAC/R and mechanical services apprentice technical training through UA Local 170 JTAC.”