Camosun expresses its sorrow and stands alongside the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc
Camosun College is horrified by the news that the remains of 215 children have been found in the grounds of the former Kamloops Residential School, which sat on the traditional territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc. Our hearts go out to the families and communities who were and are directly affected by this news and by the original loss of their children. We are all affected. This affirms Camosun’s commitment to redressing the impact of our shared history. In memory of these children, Camosun flags on both campuses will be lowered.
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic Foundation, Certificate
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.
Next up: Apprenticeship
As a graduate of the program, you’ll be ready to start employment in the Refrigeration & 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.
Refrigeration & 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
Invest in yourself! This foundation program can prepare you for entry into an apprenticeship, where you will gain paid industry experience, while you learn.
Estimated tuition
Effective from September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022.
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 the following core levels:
Trades Common Core
Piping Common Core
Refrigeration Specialty Core
Curriculum & courses
Admission Requirements
Ready to get started? Get your application in for the next intake.
When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the following admission requirements.
Tip: Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.
One of:
C in English 11 *
C in ENGL 058 *
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.
For more detailed information about this program and specific admission requirements, see the Academic Calendar.
Camosun College is fiercely proud of the excellent quality of its instruction. Our teaching staff are experienced, inspiring and supportive of our students’ individual journeys.
Faculty/staff profile
Jamie McPherson
Chair, Plumbing and Pipe Trades; Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Following in his father’s footsteps, Jamie started his career in the piping trades back in 1987 when he started a sprinkler fitting apprenticeship. Af ... Read more
Faculty/staff profile
Darren Vaux
Program Leader, Plumbing and Pipe Trades,
Originally from the Cowichan Valley, Darren relocated to Victoria after learning his trade in the high-rise construction market in Vancouver during th ... Read more
Faculty/staff profile
Robert Archer
Instructor, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
Rob served three apprenticeships in Ontario; Refrigeration Air Conditioning Mechanic, Sheet Metal Worker, and Electrician. Not only did he earn his Re ... Read more
After several years working in the restaurant industry Andrea decided that it was time for a career change, she enrolled in the Pipe Trade Foundations ... Read more
Faculty/staff profile
John Gordon
Instructor, Plumbing and Pipe Trades
John is a graduate of Camosun's Plumbing program, and has over 25 years of experience in the industry. After working as a Plumber and Gasfit ... Read more
Faculty/staff profile
Rod Lidstone
Instructor, Plumbing and Pipe Trades
Rod was inspired to enter the Pipes trade because his father was a heavy duty mechanic who then pursued many other entrepreneurial ventures. His fathe ... Read more
Faculty/staff profile
Landon Martin
Instructor, Plumbing and Pipe Trades
A graduate of the Camosun Interurban Pipe Trades Foundations course. National Champion UA Apprenticeship plumbing competition and Western r ... Read more
Faculty/staff profile
Derek Meadows
Instructor, Plumbing and Pipe Trades
Born and raised in Victoria, I completed my Plumbing Apprenticeship here at Camosun College in 2000 where I received my Red Seal Plumbing Ticket and a ... Read more
Faculty/staff profile
Dennis Morris
Instructor, Plumbing and Pipe Trades
After graduation from Mt Douglas High School in 1987, Dennis started working as an asbestos remover. He quickly decided that this was not a ... Read more
Faculty/staff profile
Al Paterson
Instructor, Plumbing and Pipe Trades
Al began his apprenticeship in Ontario in 1986 and graduated from George Brown College in 1991. Relocating to BC in 1992 Al worked in the Co ... Read more
Faculty/staff profile
Ron Perkin
Instructor, Plumbing and Pipe Trades
Ron started his career in the pipe trades as a Sprinkler Fitting apprentice, he became a Red seal Sprinkler Fitter graduating at the top of his class ... Read more
Faculty/staff profile
Josh Stull
Instructor, Plumbing and Pipe Trades
Red Seal Endorsed Plumber and Steamfitter; completed trades training here at Camosun; worked in the local residential and commercial plumbing trade, a ... Read more
Learn More
Find a full list of courses and specific admission requirements.
