Explore
Try supervised projects, courses, workplace tours or conversations connected to Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic.
← Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic overview
04 · HOW · ASSEMBLE PATH
How do I enter Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic?
Explore the Ontario route, school preparation, workplace learning and certification before deciding on your next step.
9000general program total
8280workplace training
720in-school training
five yearsgeneral time frame
THE PATHWAY
From first look to qualified practice
Prepare
Build the relevant mathematics, science, communication, technology, safety and hands-on foundations.
Find a sponsor
A sponsor may be an employer, union or group responsible for providing and documenting workplace training.
Register
Apply through Ontario’s apprenticeship system and register a Training Agreement with the sponsor.
Train
Develop workplace competence under supervision and complete the required in-school or technical learning.
Demonstrate competence
Complete the apprenticeship requirements and pass the certifying examination.
Advance
Develop deeper skill in specializations, leadership, training, estimating, management or business ownership where appropriate.
START WHILE IN SCHOOL
Turn exploration into experience
Ask your guidance counsellor about:
- Relevant technological education and hands-on courses
- Co-operative education placements
- Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program where available
- Specialist High Skills Major and dual credits
- Employer visits and Trade Tracks events
IN-SCHOOL LEARNING
What the Ontario curriculum may cover
workplace health and safetyapplied trade mathematicsengineering drawings and documentationmechanical cooling cycle fundamentals, components and accessorieselectrical and electronic fundamentalspipe joining, welding, brazing and solderinginstallation and system start up proceduresapplied psychrometricsprints and heat load calculationsair distribution systems and accessorieselectrical and electronic control systemspressure enthalpy and refrigerantscooling systems and componentsmechanical cooling cycle
CERTIFICATION
Apprenticeship → exam → Certificate of Qualification + Red Seal
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic has a certifying examination. Completing the apprenticeship leads to a Certificate of Apprenticeship; passing the examination supports an Ontario Certificate of Qualification and Red Seal endorsement. The trade is compulsory in Ontario.
COSTS & SUPPORT
Check current programs before budgeting.
Possible costs include tools, protective clothing, travel, books, classroom or exam fees and income changes during training. Supports and eligibility change; confirm them before relying on a program.
Check Ontario financial supports ↗EVIDENCE BASE
Sources & verification
Regulated, numerical and time-sensitive claims link to the authority used. Accessed and reviewed August 25, 2026.
Skilled Trades Ontario — Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic ↗Official scope, duties, training and certificationGovernment of Canada Job Bank — Ontario wages ↗Ontario low, median and high employee wage benchmarkSkilled Trades Ontario — Start an apprenticeship ↗Eligibility, sponsors and registrationOntario — OYAP ↗High-school apprenticeship pathway
Review the claim-by-claim evidence record.