Program Length
- 34 Weeks
Credential
- Certificate
Options
- Apprenticeship
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
Become a refrigeration and air conditioning specialist
Are you a practical person who likes to learn new skills? Are you looking for a stable career? With VIU’s Refrigeration Air Conditioning Mechanic you train for a well-paid career in the HVAC industry solving mechanical and technical problems.
Because you gain a broad skillset in this program, you’re likely to have a job where every day is a little different. You could be fixing cooling in a residential home in the morning and in the afternoon be working at a food processing facility.
There is high demand for refrigeration and air conditioning specialists. More than 80 percent of VIU graduates finish with a job placement. Many students have jobs before the program ends.
Sign up to learn more
Real-world experience
This program features practicums, where you work with an industry contractor that you choose. You can stay with one contractor for the duration of the program or work with many contractors to experience different sectors of the industry. This real-world experience is also a great way to get your first job, secure an apprenticeship and build your network.
Career opportunities in refrigeration and air conditioning
When you complete this program, you can find work in many industries, from residential repair to mining and commercial fishing and more.
You can work in many different kinds of facilities and industries, including:
- hospitals and universities
- medical facilities
- large grocery retailers
- food processing facilities
- residential homes
- trucks, rail and sea containers
- restaurants
- recreational facilities like skating rinks
- logging and fishing camps
- mines
- fishing vessels and ferries
- building systems maintenance
- wholesale and retail sales
- controls and instrumentation
- equipment manufacturers
Vancouver Island University has made the decision to deliver the Refrigeration Air-Conditioning Mechanic program at the Nanaimo campus. September 2025 was the last intake for the foreseeable future in the Cowichan Valley. Prospective students are encouraged to apply to the Nanaimo campus. Questions regarding this change may be directed to the tatdeansoffice@viu.ca.
About the Refrigeration Air-Conditioning Mechanic program
This 34-week program prepares you to work in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning service sector. You’ll learn how to install, service and troubleshoot heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems. You’ll also learn how to write technical reports.
This program a blend of theory and practice that prepares you for real-world scenarios. You get classroom instruction, including sophisticated computer-based exercises and hands-on practical assignments.
You get training in customer relations. And you learn how to write technical reports. This includes service reports and operational reports on equipment.
This refrigeration apprentice program includes an unpaid work practicum every Friday, then a one-week practicum halfway through the program.
When you complete the program, you will receive both a VIU certificate and an Ozone Depleting Substances Handling certification from Environment Canada and the province of British Columbia. You also receive credit toward the first year of the Refrigeration Mechanic Apprenticeship program.
Problem-solving
Learn to think on your feet and come up with solutions to problems.
Customer service
Learn how to be professional as you work with clients.
Technical
Learn how to write service reports and reports on the operational state of equipment.
Courses and Concentrations
| Refrigeration Air-Conditioning Mechanic | Credits |
|---|---|
| RACM 150T - (Use Safe Work Practices) | 2.5 |
| RACM 152T - (Use Tools and Equipment) | 5 |
| RACM 154T - (Organize Work) | 3.5 |
| RACM 156T - (Apply Fundamentals of Refrigeration) | 5 |
| RACM 158T - (Apply Electrical Concepts) | 6 |
| RACM 160T (Plan and Install Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems) | 2.5 |
| RACM 162T - (Work Experience) | 1 |
Total Credits | 25.5 |
All program courses must be successfully completed before certificates will be issued.
Admission Information
- Grade 12, or equivalent, or mature student status.
- Physically fit and good hand-eye coordination.
- Successful completion of assessment testing.
- Personal profile.
- See also Trades general admission requirements.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (9 months x $509.18 per month) | 4,582.62 |
| Student Activity fee (9 months x $20.37 per month) | 183.33 |
| Student Services fee (9 months x $22.49 per month) | 202.41 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (9 months x $18.8 per month) | 169.20 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Textbooks and supplies (approximate cost) | 2,250.00 |
| Total | 7,672.56 |
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Ongoing | Nanaimo | September 8, 2026 (Full), January 2027 (Full), September 2027 (Full), January 2028 (Full), September 2028 |
|
Next Intake(s):
The Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Mechanic Foundation program is offered twice each year.
Application Fee:
46.06
Testing Required:
Yes
Admissions Officer:
Name: Zoe Doiron Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Zoe.Doiron@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Deon Lane Phone: 250.748.4529 Email: Deon.Lane@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
Students will be added to the waitlist once required admission documents have been received by Registration.
Comments:
Vancouver Island University's Faculty of Trades and Applied Technology Department is administering a self-assessment test which will be emailed to applicants after they have applied. An interview may be required. |
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Try a class for yourself
Curious about what it might be like to join us at VIU? You can shadow a class and get a taste of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic program. Sign up for updates to learn how you can shadow a class.