Student wearing safety glasses closely inspects refrigeration equipment and copper piping during a practical lab exercise.

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Refrigeration Mechanical Trades

Build the systems that keep people comfortable, businesses operating and industries moving year-round.

Develop hands-on HVAC and refrigeration skills while training with industry-standard equipment and real-world experience.

Heat up your future with a cool career in the Refrigeration Mechanical Trades.

The Refrigeration Mechanical Trades program provides you with the knowledge and practical skills required to install, maintain and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems in residential, commercial and industrial settings. Developed in consultation with industry partners, this program prepares you with the skills employers are looking for in today’s workforce.

You’ll learn to safely use tools, materials and equipment while following industry regulations, building codes and environmental standards. Through hands-on training, you’ll develop skills in piping, brazing, electrical systems, refrigeration controls, troubleshooting, blueprint reading and system installation.

Put your learning into practice during a two-week work-integrated learning placement, where you’ll gain valuable industry experience alongside experienced professionals. As an Apprenticeship Manitoba-accredited program, you’ll graduate ready to pursue rewarding opportunities in the HVAC and refrigeration industry.

  • Program Type
    Full-time
  • Credential
    Certificate
  • Program Delivery
    In-person
  • In-person Location
    Notre Dame Campus
  • Intake
    Fall
  • Program Length
    30 weeks
  • Total Tuition / Fees for Courses
    $6,400 – $7,200
  • How to Enrol
    Application required
  • Application Type
    General entry
  • Work-Integrated Learning
    Gain hands-on experience with real work opportunities

Experience a Polytechnic Education

Full-time Delivery: Something New Every Term

At RRC Polytech, you’ll develop the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to install, maintain and troubleshoot refrigeration, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Through hands-on training, you’ll learn industry standards, safety procedures, electrical systems, refrigeration controls, diagnostics and customer service skills.

TERM 1

Build a strong foundation in HVAC and refrigeration through safety training, hand and power tool use, basic electrical systems, piping, brazing, blueprint reading and trade mathematics.

TERM 2

Advance your skills with refrigeration systems, electrical controls, diagnostics, installation procedures, code requirements, environmental practices and preparation for industry licensing.

Employment Potential

Prepare yourself for career success

Potential Grad CAREERS

  • Commercial refrigeration and HVAC technician
  • Residential refrigeration and HVAC technician
  • Sheet metal worker
  • 5th class power engineer
  • 4th class power engineer
  • Supervisor

AFFILIATIONS, ACCREDITATIONS and Partnerships

What to Expect in This Program

Get Prepared for the Future of Work

Excel with practical learning and experienced instructors, all focused on your success. With an employer-driven education, you won’t just be ready for a career – you’ll be prepared to stay in front of what’s ahead.

Student wearing safety glasses assembles electrical control components and wiring at a refrigeration and mechanical lab workbench.
Develop practical skills, work with advanced systems and build a future in an industry that never stops evolving.
Three students wearing safety glasses collaborate on a refrigeration controls project in a hands-on mechanical trades laboratory.
Small class sizes mean more hands-on guidance, more opportunities to ask questions and more personalized support as you prepare for your career.
Instructor reviews a refrigeration controls project with two students during a hands-on lab session.
Your success matters. Through one-on-one instruction and individualized feedback, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to succeed in the field.
Two students wearing safety glasses connect refrigeration equipment and discuss their work in a training lab.
Every connection you make today can power a rewarding career tomorrow. Train for a future in HVAC and refrigeration that’s built to last.
Student works on a refrigeration training unit with copper piping, gauges and mechanical components in a lab.
Train for a career that’s always in demand. Learn, build, and become the expert communities rely on year-round.
Student reviews a refrigeration cycle diagram beside a laptop displaying system performance data.
Turn hands-on problem-solving into a high-demand career. Build the skills that keep homes, businesses and industries running smoothly.

Graduate Success

RRC Polytech’s Refrigeration Mechanical Trades graduates find steady employment and rewarding opportunities in various residential, commercial and industrial environments.

The statistics below represent the opinions and employment statuses of this program’s recent grads. They were retrieved from the 2019-2020 RRC Polytech Graduate Satisfaction and Employment Report.

Student wires electrical control components on a refrigeration training board while another student observes.

100% – NEW GRADS HIRED

Start your career with confidence. Through industry connections, career services support and networking opportunities, you’ll be well positioned to connect with employers and pursue opportunities in the HVAC and refrigeration industry.

88% – Satisfied with RRC Polytech Education

Graduates apply the practical skills and technical knowledge gained at RRC Polytech to install, maintain and repair refrigeration, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in residential, commercial and industrial environments.

Student inspects refrigeration system components and copper piping during a hands-on lab exercise.
Student uses a laptop to test and monitor refrigeration control equipment in a mechanical trades lab.

100% – CONSIDER INSTRUCTORS KNOWLEDGEABLE

Learn from experienced instructors who bring real-world industry knowledge into the classroom. Combined with hands-on training and industry-standard equipment, you’ll graduate ready to contribute from day one.

“I have had many jobs (thanks to) what I learned in this program, and I am still learning every day.”

Keith Wadge
Prairie Rose School Division

Who Should Enrol?

Turn your talents into academic success

As a Refrigeration Mechanical Trades student, you enjoy working with your hands, solving technical challenges and understanding how complex systems operate. You’re detail-oriented, mechanically inclined and motivated to learn skills that lead to stable, in-demand career opportunities.

PERSONALITY TRAITS

  • Challenge-driven
  • Critical thinker
  • Independent
  • Logical thinker
  • Technical thinker

SKILLS

  • Customer service
  • Lifelong learning
  • Positive attitude
  • Problem solving
  • Troubleshooting

INTERESTS

  • Air conditioning and refrigeration systems
  • Building and repairing equipment
  • Construction and skilled trades
  • Electrical systems and controls
  • Energy efficiency and sustainability
  • Heating and ventilation systems
  • Mechanical systems
  • Technology and innovation
  • Working with tools

All the Information You Need

MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION

Woman sitting in computer lab

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.

Exterior of RRC Polytech building

LOCATION, DATES AND FEES

Start planning with peace of mind and get the information you need on one easy-to-find page. Review start dates, locations, book and equipment costs and program fees.

Woman standing on stairs holding certificate

SCHOLARSHIPS

Celebrate and motivate your learning. Whether you’ve sprinted through the first term or just received your acceptance letter, find a variety of bursaries, scholarships and awards.

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OTHER INFORMATION

Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.

Exterior of RRC Polytech building

DATES AND FEES

Start preparing with peace of mind. View information about courses and sections, including locations, delivery methods and costs. It only takes minutes to register and further your future.

Students outside in a courtyard

LIST OF COURSES

Plan out your preferred learning journey. Review a summary of this program’s courses to discover what you’ll learn and how an RRC Polytech education will help your career.

Woman sitting in computer lab

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.

Person browsing the RRC Polytech website

OTHER INFORMATION

Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.

Begin Your Journey

Get Started with RRC Polytech

Start Your Application

Your future is within reach, and we’re here to help you achieve it. Experience industry-focused opportunities available at RRC Polytech and develop the knowledge and skills to grow, lead and excel in your future career.

Contact Us

Get in touch with us today to learn more about this and other programs, receive personalized guidance and discover your best path forward.

Funding Your Education

Support yourself while pursuing your RRC Polytech education. You may be eligible for loans, grants and scholarships to help tackle your financial needs.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.