Trades & Applied Technology Programs

Heating, Ventilation, & Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration

• 9–Month Certificate Program (27 credits)
• Offered at the Cowichan campus
• Program Fees: Domestic Students, International Students
• Apply for Admission

The Program

This program, offered in partnership with School District #79 and Cowichan Senior Secondary School in Duncan, prepares individuals for entry into the heating (gas and oil), air-conditioning, and refrigeration industry service sector. The program provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals of installing, servicing, and troubleshooting all aspects of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning/refrigeration (HVAC/R) equipment, as well as customer relations.

Classroom instruction is combined with hands-on practical assignments and sophisticated computer-based instruction. The minimum pass mark for the program is 70 percent. On successful completion, students will receive a Vancouver Island University certificate, CFC handling certification from Environment Canada and the Province of B.C.

Maturity, good hand/eye coordination and problem solving skills with attention to detail are desirable qualities for individuals pursuing careers in HVAC/R. An opportunity for work experience is included in the program. Check with the Advising Centre for more details 250-746-3509 (Cowichan Campus).

Career Opportunities

Graduates may find employment and apprenticeship opportunities with air-conditioning companies, heating contractors. They may also seek employment in building systems maintenance, gas fitting service sector, wholesale and retail sales, equipment manufacturers, and installation and service of equipment.

Apprenticeship Information

Graduates of this program may receive credit towards the technical portion of the first year of the Refrigeration Mechanic Apprenticeship program. In order to complete the apprenticeship and become a journeyperson, in addition to on-the-job training, graduates would return to school for 6 weeks in Level 2, and 8 weeks in Levels 3 and 4. Level 2 is offered in Duncan from May 21 to June 28, 2012.

The Refrigeration Mechanic Apprenticeship program consists of 5 years of on-the-job experience combined with 4 levels of in-school technical training in order to be eligible to write the Interprovincial (Red Seal) Examination for journeyperson certification.

Please note: Gas licensing is no longer included in the HVAC Foundation program. Instead, an additional Domestic/Commercial Gas Fitter Level 1 apprenticeship session will now be offered on an ongoing basis at the Cowichan Campus of Vancouver Island University.

For more information on apprenticeship training, please visit the website at www.itabc.ca, contact the Industry Training Centre at 1-866-660-6011, or call Tanya Reiber at Vancouver Island University toll–free at 1–888–920–2221 local 6112.

Admission Requirements

• Grade 12, or equivalent, or mature student status.
• Physically fit and good hand-eye coordination.
• Successful completion of assessment testing.
• Personal profile.
• An interview.
• A criminal record check is required.
• See also Trades general admission requirements.

Start Date and Application Deadline

The program starts in September and applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. For further information regarding applications and program contacts check the Program Availability List.

Program Outline

All program courses must be successfully completed before certificates will be issued.

Updated February 29, 2012