Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic Foundation, Certificate

Program at a glance

Credential

Certificate

Work experience

Clinical/fieldwork placement

Study options

Full-time

Open to International

Area of study

Trades Foundation

Length

Full-time 30 weeks.

Two paths

The difference between foundation program and apprenticeship.

Learn more

The future, today

Many start dates throughout the year

The Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic Trades Foundation program focuses on first year competencies that are common to all of the piping trades. You'll work through common core and refrigeration & air conditioning specialty modules.

Over 30 weeks you will follow a modular training system that begins by developing a wide variety of basic skills and builds on these to develop specialized skills required by industry and related fields.

The Pipe Trades and Refrigeration & Air Conditioning shops are located in the Drysdale building on the Interurban campus. Our two shops are over 12,000 sq. ft. (1,115 sq. metres) in size.

Hands-on learning

In the Refrigeration Foundation program, you'll develop the skills and knowledge necessary for initial entry into the Refrigeration & Air Conditioning trade.

You'll be exposed to on-the-job conditions, so come prepared to work in a number of different simulations and environments. Practical projects will usually be done on site either at the college or in co-operation with local industry.

Students will apply and extend their academic knowledge and practical skills during a one-week supervised field practice in an industry setting where they will interact and build relationships with prospective employers and other tradespeople.

Refrigeration and air conditioning competencies

Use safe work practices
Use tools and equipment
Organize work
Apply fundamentals of refrigeration
Apply electrical concepts
Plan and install refrigeration and air conditioning systems

For more details regarding the Industry Training program, please review the SkilledTradesBC Accredited program profiles for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic.

Information sessions

Learn more about Camosun's Trades Foundation programs.

Virtual Trades Information Session

What you'll learn

Current students wanting information about your program, go to student planning in myCamosun.

Industrial refrigeration pipes and gauges and ductwork.

Program outline

For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the academic calendar.

Program outline

What to expect

Located at our Interurban campus, this full-time program is 30 weeks long. Classes are scheduled for five days a week, six hours each day. Your typical day includes theory and lectures in the classroom, with the majority of your time in the shop getting hands-on training. There is an online component for all courses offered within the program.

You'll have the opportunity to work on building mock-ups and operating tools and equipment in real-life situations. By learning how the refrigeration and air conditioning systems operate before you start on installations or repairs, you’ll become a versatile and highly competent trades person.

The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Foundation program provides instruction in the theory and practices required to obtain credit for Level 1 apprenticeship in the refrigeration and air conditioning Mechanic trade. The program comprises the following core levels:

Trades Common Core
Piping Common Core
Refrigeration Specialty Core

Next up: Apprenticeship

As a graduate of the program, you’ll be ready to start employment in the refrigeration and air conditioning field.

Your training in the foundation program will be consistent with provincial standards for Refrigeration & Air Conditioning core knowledge and credit for completing this program may be applied to a four-year apprenticeship program. As an apprentice, you will continue to build on your skills and gain the practical experience necessary to become fully qualified.

Tuition and fees

Effective from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025

Estimated tuition

Tuition estimates are for the entire program.

Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic Foundation, Certificate

$3,438 (domestic)

Domestic tuition fees vary depending on the individual course fees for the classes you select.

Student fees

In addition to tuition estimates, student fees are calculated based on your enrolment. Refer to: Student Fees.

Financial assistance

You may need to find more than one source of funding to help pay for your education and living costs while attending college. Check out sources of money you don't need to pay back as well as those that need to be repaid.

Financial Aid & Awards

Admission requirements

One of:

C in English 11 *
C in ENGL 070 *

And one of:

C in Apprenticeship and Workplace Math 11 **
COM in MATH 038 **

* If you don't have one of the preferred English requirements, see Admission Requirement Course Alternatives for additional Camosun English alternatives.

** If you don't have one of the preferred Math requirements, the college will accept a "C" or higher in Foundations of Math 11 or Pre-Calculus 11. See Admission Requirement Course Alternatives for additional Camosun Math alternatives.

When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the program admission requirements listed above. Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.

For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar: Loading...

Missing admission requirements?

You may be able to take an assessment or upgrade with us.

Program start dates

Training will take place at Interurban campus. Contact Registration to confirm seat availability*, 250-370-3550.

Start date	End date
February 10, 2025	September 5, 2025
October 20, 2025	May 29, 2026
July 13, 2026	February 19, 2027
April 5, 2027	October 29, 2027
January 4, 2028	July 28, 2028
September 5, 2028	April 6, 2029
May 14, 2029	December 7, 2029