Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

Regulated Occupation: YES.
National Occupation Classification Code: 7313
Employment Outlook: Above average occupation growth in Alberta
Minimum Educational Requirement: Grade 12
Length of Apprenticeship Training: 4 years of training while you work
Trades Certification: YES (Compulsory Certification Trade)

OCCUPATION INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW:

OCCUPATION INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Can I practice in my trade right away?

No, even if you have a foreign trade certificate or diploma, and experience you need to contact the Alberta Government - Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. Depending on your training and work experience you will receive all the information about how you can qualify for certification in your trade in Alberta. See the address of all offices of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training

READ MORE�See more detailed information for people who have work experience in trades but do not have the registered apprentice title or journeyman certification Alberta Qualification Certificate

What are the duties for this trade?

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics install, calibrate, repair and maintain refrigeration and air conditioning systems, as well as combined heating and cooling systems. The Mechanics also test compressors, lines and thermostats when they have to repair the systems. The work involves also installation, wiring and calibration of thermostats and other controls.

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics work on systems that are located in various types of buildings, such as: homes, restaurants, grocery stores, shopping malls, hospitals, office buildings, warehouses and factories.

The work may be indoors or outdoors, as Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics may work in a variety of buildings installing, repairing and maintaining residential and industrial systems. They may be required to lift items weighing over 25 kilograms (67 pounds).

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics work usually 40 hours per week throughout the year.

See the general occupation profile, employment outlook and training information for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics; please note that companies may have different specific requirements in their job postings and job descriptions.

READ MORE�See the general occupation profile, employment outlook and training information for Plumbers; please note that companies may have different specific requirements in their job postings and job descriptions.

. Alberta Learning Information Service: ALIS Occupation Profiles
Trades Secrets

What other titles are used for this trade?

* Maintenance Plumber
* Master Plumber
* Plumber, Maintenance and Repair
* Plumbing Installer * Plumbing Mechanic
* Residential Construction Plumber

READ MORE...See a long list of related job titles for Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics in JobFutures

What educational institutions offer training for this trade in Alberta?

Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training is responsible for organizing trades training and certification in Alberta. Presently, the technical training for apprenticeship is offered by the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology(SAIT) in Calgary.

Outside of the apprenticeship program, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology(NAIT) in Edmonton offers a diploma in Building and Environmental Systems Technology (two years of study) and a certificate: Heating Ventilation and Air conditioning (HVAC) Specialist (one year of study).

Find other educational institutions offering training for trades and other occupations in Alberta: search � EDinfo

What salary can I expect?

Journeymen in Alberta have a general rate of $23 to $32/hour plus benefits such as: health insurance, pension contributions, paid vacation days, paid sick days, etc� Overtime pay is usually higher than the regular hourly rate, and as agreed with your employer is considered for additional work over the 40 hours of regular work each week.

Apprentice Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics through their four years of training earn more and more, getting closer to the journeyman hourly wage:
. first year of apprenticeship: 50% of the journeyman hourly rate
. second year of apprenticeship: 60% of the journeyman hourly rate
. third year of apprenticeship: 75% of the journeyman hourly rate
. fourth year of apprenticeship: 85% of the journeyman hourly rate


READ MORE�See updated salary information at the website �WAGEinfo

What is the employment outlook in Calgary?

In Alberta, over 75% of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics are employed by the construction industry. In Calgary, the construction industry is a major employer. Calgary is one of the most dynamic cities in the country, with an increased construction activity in all areas: commercial, industrial and residential.

Alberta Human Resources and Employment estimates that in Calgary there will be expected significant skills shortages for the trades people who work as Refrigeration Small engine Appliance Repairer (Labour Market News: Calgary and Area, January 2004, p.2).


READ MORE...Is Calgary�s economy Construction Industry

What do employers expect beyond trade technical skills?

Every employer has a set of basic rules that apply to all employees. Employers expect everybody to know and follow these rules that range from being punctual in the morning at the start of the workday, to more complex rules, such as the health and safety program in your unit.

Employers expect good workplace communication skills and a combination of basic mathematics and document skills as required by increasingly complex instructions to operate tools and understand how to use computerized equipment.

READ MORE...Employer Expectations in the Construction

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

Start Your Application for Journeyman Certification

Contact the Government of Alberta � Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and obtain information about the number of apprenticeship hours you are required to complete and what courses you need to take. If you have a foreign trades certificate or diploma you will be advised how obtain your journeyman certification and start practice your trade in the province of Alberta. Earning an Alberta trade certificates qualify you to practice anywhere else in Canada. 

READ MORE...Red Seal Program

Find More Career Options in Trades and Stay Connected

Use the following links to find more information about work in your trade, employment programs and financial help to study. These organizations help you connect with employers and people working in the industry:

. Construction Industry Employer Associations:
  . Alberta Home Builders' Association
  . Merit Contractors Associations

. Your Trade Association: Pipefitters and Plumbers Union Local 488 in Edmonton

. Understand Related Opportunities in Trades : Search Alberta Learning Information Service: ALIS Occupation Profiles and think of opportunities in related occupations and areas of practice.