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Refrigeration Mechanic

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

November 1 to Spring Break

  • look over all the information below and - get a good understanding of the pre-reqs, expectations, time commitment,    reading, math, training, etc
    • no questions... go ahead and apply for the program!
    • questions?... book an appointment with Abraham Kang (District Coordinator), to learn more
      • use the: Booking App, or
      • use the QR code in the right column
  • student completes the fillable "SD43 Application" (top link in the right column) by typing in answers and getting necessary signatures
  • submit to your counsellor at your high school

after Spring Break to late April

  • Personal interview/conversation with Abraham Kang (District Coordinator) at your school

mid-May into June

  • Abraham Kang (District Coordinator)will:
    • email students conditional acceptances into the program
      • unsuccessful applicants will also are contacted
    • enroll the student at the training site(s)
    • ensure counselors adjust students' timetables to reflect course/credits
Pre-Requisites
  • must pass a BCIT Mechanical Reasoning Assessment
    • (see link in right column for example)
  • it is very important to look at the courses you will be taking while at BCIT: Program courses
    • given those program courses you'll be taking and the extremely competitiveness of this trade seat, high school course considerations:
      • must have:
        • Physics 11
        • a grade 11 or 12 Tech Ed course
      • strongly recommend:
        • Electricity/Electronics 11
        • a Math 12
        • a Metal/Welding class
  • a plan to complete English 12
  • 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
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)
Time Commitment
  • 1 Intake, first Tuesday in September, per year (next intake: September 3, 2024 - March 7, 2025)
  • 25 weeks long
  • 5 days a week:  Monday to Friday
  • 7.00am to 2.00pm
Skills
  • General
    • Analytical, Curious, Independent, Logical, and Persistent
  • Key Job 
    • Troubleshooting, Fundamentals of Refrigeration, Electrical Components & Safety, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Installation, and Air Conditioning Servicing
Student Eligibility
  • this program is made up different districts competitively applying for 1 high school seat per intake - traditionally Coquitlam SD43 has had success in getting students in due to good marks and excellent attendance while in high school
  • students typically take this program in their grade 12 year after taking all the necessary/core grade 11 subjects... and a plan for English 12
  • students must begin a program prior to June 30 of their graduation year
    • ex 1:  a Program begins in March and runs for 23 weeks - this is okay for a current grade 12 student to apply to
    • ex 2:  a program will begin in September after a grade 12 has graduated - that current grade 12 can not apply as they will not be accepted
  • must have government-issued photo ID (ex: a driver's license, BC ID, passport) that is current/valid on the ITA exam date (last week or so of program)
  • on intake date, students must be:
    • a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and
    • an enrolled student in a high school (non-grad) in SD43
  • unfortunately, international students are not able to enroll in this program


Have questions about this program?

Book a meeting with Abraham Kang (District Coordinator)

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Refrigeration Mech Links

APPLICATIONS
PROGRAM INFORMATION
SUPPORT MATERIAL