Construction careers across Canada are booming. Students who like working with machines and are good at problem solving have a vast amount of studies to choose from to build experienced careers in construction. One such career that frequently gets overlooked is refrigeration and air conditioning technician. Centennial College’s School of Engineering Technology and Applied Science offers a Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician program that prepares students for meaningful construction careers.

Centennial’s Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician program takes place over the course of four semesters (two years). The first semester focuses on courses such as the Acts, Regulations and Procedures as well as the Fundamentals of Cooling Cycles, Mechanical Cooling Cycle and Pipe Joining & Installation. The second semester delves into Electrical Fundamentals, Mechanical Drawing & Prints and Heating Fundamentals. The third semester involves System Design & Installation and Electrical & Control Systems and the final semester is where the refrigeration and air conditioning courses get studied. These include the Heating Hydronic Fundamentals and Air Conditioning & Distribution Systems.

The program is important for students who are strong and well-coordinated and who enjoy dealing with customers. Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics install, maintain, repair and overhaul residential central air conditioning systems, commercial and industrial refrigeration and air conditioning systems, and combined heating, ventilation and cooling systems. They are employed by installation contractors, construction companies, food wholesalers, engineering firms and service establishments. Certification is required in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. It is valuable for students as it tells employers and other workers that they are skilled professionals. It also helps them get jobs and eventually, develop significant careers in construction.