Student working in a lab with many switches and controls

Program Explorer

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician

Train your technical skills for temperature control and learn to work across various industries and facilities.

Build the technical skills and practical knowledge you need for a successful career in refrigeration and air conditioning technology.

Refrigeration and air conditioning technicians and mechanics install, repair, service and design residential, commercial and industrial HVAC/R (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration) equipment.

Through the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician program, you will develop in-depth technical knowledge and practical experience with refrigeration systems, air conditioning, piping, welding and electrical wiring. As part of your safety training, you’ll learn to properly use, reuse, recycle, recover and reclaim hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) and hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants and safely handle and remove chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). You will also build the critical communication, collaboration and learning skills you need to adapt to new technology, continue growing your knowledge and take on new career opportunities.

  • Program Type
    Full-time
  • Credential
    Certificate
  • Program Delivery
    In-person
  • In-person Location
    Notre Dame Campus
  • Intakes
    Fall and Winter
  • Program Length
    5 months
  • Total Tuition / Fees for Courses
    $3,700 – $4,200
  • How to Enrol
    Application required
  • Application Type
    Direct entry
  • Indigenous Pathway
    Program pathway available to Indigenous learners

Experience a Polytechnic Education

Full-time Delivery: Something New Every Term

In this program, you’ll build versatile technical skills and learn to install, design and repair refrigeration and air conditioning systems through practical training experiences.

TERM 1

Develop skills in print reading, technical communication and piping while exploring knowledge in electrical theory, gas code and other specialized topics.

Employment Potential

Prepare yourself for career success

Potential Grad CAREERS

  • Refrigeration and air conditioning technician apprentice
  • HVAC sales associate at wholesaler
  • Business owner/entrepreneur

AFFILIATIONS AND ACCREDITATIONS

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 wiring some boxes in a lab
Practice makes perfect. Training boards allow you to simulate refrigeration systems, examine your work and quickly incorporate feedback.
Student looking at pressure gauges in a lab
Develop your expertise using the same industry-standard tools and maintenance equipment you’ll find on the job.
Student looking at pressure gauges on a large tank in a lab
Develop safe material handling skills and learn to properly protect yourself, your colleagues and the environment.
Instructor talking to student in a lab and looking over his notes
Take advantage of small, focused classes to build practical experience, work one-on-one with expert instructors and gain industry insight.

Graduate Success

RRC Polytech’s Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician 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.

Instructor watching student control gauges in a lab

100% – NEW GRADS HIRED

At RRC Polytech, your success is our priority. In addition to an alumni-exclusive job board and our career services specialists, we offer various resources dedicated to helping you meet employers, build your network and find your first industry job.

$42K – AVERAGE NEW GRAD SALARY

Graduates use the fundamental knowledge and versatile skills developed at RRC Polytech to pursue various career pathways, specialized roles and advanced opportunities. These include constructing, installing or maintaining cooling plants, cooling cabinets, walk-in boxes and heating and ventilation systems.

Student wiring some boxes in a lab
Students working in a refrigeration and air conditioning lab

88% – SATISFIED WITH RRC POLYTECH EDUCATION

Our graduates proudly take advantage of their polytechnic education. With RRC Polytech’s combination of practical skills, technical knowledge, industry connections and state-of-the-art equipment, you’ll be ready to succeed and make meaningful changes 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 student in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician program, you have strong mechanical skills and a good understanding of math and science. You also have excellent attention to detail and good manual dexterity. Your independent problem-solving skills will be critical to success as a professional technician.

Students that excel in this program often share these interests, skills and personality traits.

PERSONALITY TRAITS

  • Adaptable
  • Critical thinker
  • Detail-oriented
  • Independent
  • Technical thinker

SKILLS

  • Adaptability
  • Communication
  • Customer service
  • Organization
  • Problem solving

INTERESTS

  • Electronic controls
  • Mechanical hobbies
  • DIYer
  • Outdoor activities
  • Traveling

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

Future Student Events

Explore our upcoming information sessions and events to learn more about our programs and to get your questions answered.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, 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.

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