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1080 Winslow Avenue, Coquitlam, BC, V3J 0M6| Phone: 604-939-9201| Contact Us
School District No. 43 (Coquitlam)
Learning for a Lifetime
Refrigeration Mechanic

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Occupation Description: 
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics install, maintain and service residential, commercial, industrial and institutional heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration units and systems. They also connect to air delivery systems, install and service hydronic and secondary refrigerant systems and associated controls. Their duties include laying out reference points for installation, assembling and installing components, installing wiring to connect components to an electric power supply and calibrating related controls. They also measure, cut, bend, thread and connect pipe to functional components and utilities. They maintain and service systems by inspecting and testing components, brazing and soldering parts to repair defective joints, adjusting and replacing worn or defective components and reassembling repaired components and systems. As part of service and commissioning, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics start-up, test, charge, adjust, calibrate, balance, measure, verify, maintain and document systems.​.

Application Process/Steps

  • November 1 - (pre) Spring Break​
    • look over all the information below and in the right column - get a good
       understanding of the pre-reqs, expectations, time commitment, ​​ ​reading, math, training
      , etc​
      • if you have no questions, please apply for the program(s)
      • ​still have questions? ​book an appointment to talk to the district
         coordinator, Doug MacLean, to learn more: Booking App​
    • student competes the SD43 application (top link in the right column)
    • submits to your high school counselor (usually in gr 11 for the gr 12 school year)​ 
  • (post) Spring Break - late April
    • personal interview/conversation with district coordinator 
  • mid-May into June
    • students are conditionally accepted (or not) into programs (notified by email) 
    • applicable enrolment at the training site is made (by district coordinator)
    • counselors will adjust timetables accordingly​​ for following school year
Students: feel free to contact Doug via email (​dmaclean@sd43.bc.ca) or text/call (604-341-8977) at anytime during the application process.


Pre-Requisites
  • must pass a BCIT Mechanical Reasoning Assessment
    • (see link in right column for example)
  • courses you will be taking while at BCIT: ​Program Matrix: Ref Mech Link
    • given those BCIT courses you'll be taking,
      ​high school course considerations:
      • plan to complete English 12
      • Physics 11
      • Electricity/Electronics 11 and/or 12 if you h​ave that elective(s) at your school
      • strongly recommended to have Math 12
      • strongly recommended to have a Metal/Welding class​
      • strongly recommended to have a senior Tech Ed course where you've had to follow plans to construct a rather detailed project
  • good literacy skills and strong numeracy skills
  • excellent attendance +​ lates record while in high school
  • ability to stand on your feet for extended periods of time
Time Commitment
  • 1 Intake:  September (next available: September 6, 2022 - March 10, 2023)
  • 25 weeks long​
  • 5 days a week:  Monday to Friday
  • 7.00am to 2.00pm​

Student Eligibility

  • 1 potential Coquitlam SD43 student per intake (1-2 seats are given to high school students across 5-6 surrounding districts, so a bit 'competitive')
  • grade 12 students, after taking all the necessary/core grade 11 subjects and a plan to complete English 12
  • students must begin a program prior to June 30 in th​eir graduation year
    • ex 1:  a grade 12's program begins in March and runs for 23 weeks - this is okay for a grade 12 student​ to participate in
    • ex 2:  a program will begin in August after a grade 12 has graduated - this is not okay and that current grade 12s should not apply as they will not be accepted
  • unfortunately, this program is not available to "International students" ​​

Student Cost

  • tuition-free, but students will need to pay about $900 for course materials, textbook, resources, etc

Location​​ & Transportation

  • BCIT "Burnaby Campus" - 3700 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby
  • Transportation, to and from the training site, is the responsibility of the parent/guardian
    • Skytrain is the best transportation option 
      (Skytrain to Brentwood Mall, transfer to bus for final stretch)

​Skills + Attributes​​

  • passion for fixing things
  • attention to detail
Have questions about this program?
Book a meeting with ​Ben King
Principal of Trades & Transitions

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School District No. 43 (Coquitlam)

1080 Winslow Avenue, Coquitlam BC
V3J 0M6
604-939-9201 604-939-7828