Program Length
- 34 Weeks
Credential
- Certificate
Options
- Apprenticeship
Location Offered
- Cowichan
If you’re handy, interested in mechanics, and seek a well-paying career that’s in high demand, think about taking the Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Mechanic program at VIU’s Cowichan Trades Centre. Those who take refrigeration and airconditioning mechanic courses, also known as an HVAC program, can use their skills to enter a service-oriented career field with many opportunities.
Enter a career that won’t keep you in an office, and where you can solve problems with mechanical and technical skills and practical knowledge. Graduates can progress to refrigeration and airconditioning mechanic apprenticeship, using credit toward their journeyperson (Red Seal) certification.
The Refrigeration Air-Conditioning Mechanic Certificate Program
This program, offered at the Cowichan Trades Centre, prepares individuals for entry into the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning industry service sector. The program provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals of installing, servicing, and troubleshooting all aspects of residential commercial and industrial heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) equipment, as well as customer relations.
Classroom instruction is combined with hands-on practical assignments and sophisticated computer-based instruction. On successful completion, students will receive a Vancouver Island University certificate, CFC handling certification from Environment Canada and the Province of British Columbia.
Maturity, good hand/eye coordination and problem solving skills with attention to detail are desirable qualities for individuals pursuing careers in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. An opportunity for work experience is included in the program. Check with the Advising Centre for more details 250.746.3509 (Cowichan Campus).
Learn more about VIU Trades and Applied Technology Apprenticeships.
| Refrigeration Air-Conditioning Mechanic | Credits |
|---|---|
| RACM 150T - (Use Safe Work Practices) | 2.5 |
| RACM 152T - (Use Tools and Equipment) | 5 |
| RACM 154T - (Organize Work) | 3.5 |
| RACM 156T - (Apply Fundamentals of Refrigeration) | 5 |
| RACM 158T - (Apply Electrical Concepts) | 6 |
| RACM 160T (Plan and Install Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems) | 2.5 |
| RACM 162T - (Work Experience) | 1 |
Total Credits | 25.5 |
All program courses must be successfully completed before certificates will be issued.
- Grade 12, or equivalent, or mature student status.
- Physically fit and good hand-eye coordination.
- Successful completion of assessment testing.
- Personal profile.
- See also Trades general admission requirements.
Graduates may find employment and apprenticeship opportunities with air-conditioning companies, heating contractors. They may also seek employment in building systems maintenance, wholesale and retail sales, controls and instrumentation, equipment manufacturers, and installation and service of equipment.
Work Placement Opportunities
Apprenticeship Information
Graduates of this program receive credit towards the technical portion of the first year of the Refrigeration Mechanic Apprenticeship program. In order to complete the apprenticeship and become a journeyperson, in addition to on-the-job training, graduates would return to school for 8 weeks in Levels 3 and 4. Level 2 is now offered in Duncan at VIU's Cowichan campus.
The Refrigeration Mechanic Apprenticeship program consists of 5 years of on-the-job experience combined with 4 levels of in-school technical training in order to be eligible to write the Interprovincial (Red Seal) Examination for journeyperson certification.
For information on apprenticeship training:
- visit VIU Trades and Applied Technology Apprenticeship
- contact the Faculty of Trades and Applied Technology at 1.250.740.6227 or apprentice@viu.ca
- visit SkilledTradesBC or contact them at 1.866.660.6011
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (9 months x $499.20 per month) | 4,492.80 |
| Student Activity fee (9 months x $19.97 per month) | 179.73 |
| Student Services fee (9 months x $22.05 per month) | 198.45 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (9 months x $18.35 per month) | 165.15 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Textbooks and supplies (approximate cost) | 2,250.00 |
| Total | 7,571.13 |
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Ongoing | Cowichan | March 24, 2025 (Full); September 2, 2025 (Full); March 23, 2026 |
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
The Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Mechanic Foundations program has two intakes each year at the Cowichan Trade Centre in Duncan. One in September and one in March.
Application Fee:
45.16
Testing Required:
Yes
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Zoe Doiron Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Zoe.Doiron@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Deon Lane Phone: 250.748.4529 Email: Deon.Lane@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
Students will be added to the waitlist once required admission documents have been received by Registration.
Comments:
Vancouver Island University's Faculty of Trades and Applied Technology Department is administering a self-assessment test which will be emailed to applicants after they have applied. |
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Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Visit the Department WebsitePrevious versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.