Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic Apprentice (Block Release) [Apprenticeship] RAS2W

Holland Code: R (Realistic)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

Apprenticeship programs are run at Fanshawe College in partnership with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. You can not apply to an apprenticeship program through www.ontariocolleges.ca. Your first step is finding an employer who will support you in your apprenticeship training. The employer must register you as an apprentice with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. For more information on the process, please see please see the Fanshawe Apprenticeship website. If you do not have an employer, you may wish to consider the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician program.

Math & Science Completion of secondary school is usually required. Strong math skills needed: students who do not have the required level of comfort and ability with math may want to consider Fanshawe’s Pre-Technology Program High school courses in Physics would be beneficial preparation for this program.

Arts & Literacy Applicants should be able to communicate effectively in English (professionally written reports). High school courses in Business and technical Communication or Communications Technology would be beneficial preparation for this program.

Technology Moderate computer skills required (Microsoft Office suite, email, Internet, using computer controls). Moderate use of student portal system, students need to check email and posts several times per week.

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Mechanical ability
• Good co-ordination and manual dexterity
• Physical strength and stamina
• The ability to work well with co-workers and deal with customers
• Enjoy variety, solving problems and working with little supervision

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a

Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic.

Places you may find yourself employed include …

Service departments of air conditioning companies; residential refrigeration and air conditioning installation contractors, or working in retail doing estimating and sales.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• The working environment varies greatly from one job to another and includes both indoor and outdoor environments; typically the mechanic will work in the heat in the summer and in the cold in the winter.
• Generally work in residential, commercial or industrial mechanical furnace and boilers rooms, roof tops as well as warehouse/office/household environments.
• Normally work 40 hours a week but may work additional hours during peak times, including evenings or weekends.
• Will routinely be required to lift and move items that weigh over 20 kilograms.
• There is some risk of injury when working with mechanical devices, power tools, electricity, and bottled gases.

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings or other specifications
• Measure and lay out reference points for installation
• Assemble and install refrigeration or air conditioning components such as motors, controls, gauges, valves, circulating pumps, condensers, humidifiers, evaporators and compressors using hand and power tools
• Measure and cut piping, and connect piping using welding and brazing equipment
• Install, troubleshoot and overhaul entire heating, ventilation, air handling, refrigeration and air conditioning systems
• Start up system and test for leaks using testing devices
• Recharge system with refrigerant, check and test regulators, calibrate system and perform routine maintenance or servicing
• Repair and replace parts and components for entire refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation or heat pump systems
• May install, maintain and repair equipment in refrigerated trucks used to transport food or medical supplies
• May prepare work estimates for clients.

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

Links to learn more about apprenticeship in general

• The Apprenticeship Network
• Apprenticetrades.ca
• Ontario College of Trades
• www.apprenticesearch.com

Links to learn more about this apprenticeship program

• The Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI)
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Last Modified: June 5, 2024