Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician

CampusStart DateTuition/Fees
St. AndrewsSeptember 2024 (Blended Delivery) Domestic | International
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Program Overview

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technicians are experts in creating a comfortable atmosphere. They install and repair residential, commercial and industrial refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Through classroom lectures, labs, and Computer-Based Training (CBT), you’ll learn about refrigeration system operations and safety practices related to the trade. As residential and business developments continue nationwide, trained Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technicians are wanted by construction and manufacturing teams.

Duration

The requirements for this certificate program may be achieved within one academic year of full-time study.
 

Admission Requirements

    Profile A

  • High School Diploma or Adult High School Diploma or GED Diploma of High School Equivalency or Essential Skills Achievement Pathway: Post-Secondary Entry High School Diploma

    NB Francophone High School Math Equivalencies
    International Student Admission Equivalencies

    Career Possibilities

    Graduates of this program may work for a variety of employers involved in the manufacturing, installation, service, repair and maintenance or sale of refrigeration, air conditioning and ventilation equipment. You may also find employment in industries, which require temperature controlled environments, such as dairies, meat packing plants, food processing plants, breweries, canneries and cold storage companies. The nature of this occupation often results in irregular working hours and on-the-job travel.

    Find career possibilities related to this program in Career Coach.

    Specific Considerations

    Applicants should have a good command of oral and written English, and theoretical and practical mathematical skills. They should be self motivated and have sufficient physical strength and stamina to meet the demands of the industry. Mechanical/electrical aptitude, good hearing, good eyesight, manual dexterity, hand/eye coordination, and the ability to work with minimum supervision are all qualities appropriate to the trade. Students are exposed to certain hazards that require the use of safety equipment and learn to comply with New Brunswick Department of Environment Regulations. Upon successful completion of the program, the student is eligible to challenge the Refrigeration Air Conditioning Mechanic Block 1 exam.

    Technology Requirements
    NBCC is a connected learning environment. All programs require a minimum specification, including access to the internet and a laptop. Your computer should meet your program technology requirements to ensure the software required for your program operates effectively. Free wifi is provided on all campuses.

    Areas of Study

    • refrigeration, air conditioning and heating fundamentals
    • workplace safety
    • soldering, tubing and pipework
    • refrigerants and oils
    • RAC tools and equipment
    • electrical and motor fundamentals
    • heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) controls
    • CFC/HCFC/HFC controls in RAC
    • workplace experience (practicum)
    • refrigeration compressors
    • refrigeration valves and accessories
    • refrigeration system installation

    Program Courses

    Courses are subject to change.

    This course is designed to introduce students in the trades to a variety of hand tools, power tools, stationary power tools and equipment and their uses within the context of safe work practices. Students become familiar with the safe use and handling of the tools and equipment commonly used in the trades sector. They are required to demonstrate the selection and safe use of common hand and power tools and receive instruction on several types of fastening systems. 
     

    Prerequisites:

      This course introduces learners to the fundamental concepts of electricity, including wiring diagrams for electrical circuits. 
       
       

      Prerequisites:

      • SECU1322B

      In this course, learners will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze complex electrical circuits.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • EFAE1074A

      In this course, learners will acquire the knowledge and skills required to install, maintain and repair electrical motors, contactors, motor starters, capacitors, circuit protection, and solid-state devices.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • EFAE1074A

      In this course, learners acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to install Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) control circuits for residential and commercial applications.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • EFAE1074A

      The purpose of this course is to refresh skills in mathematics developed through secondary programs in areas deemed essential for the successful completion of the program. Although the topics covered in this course are common to any math program, every effort is made to illustrate their usage in the trades’ professions.

      This course provides an introduction to the meaning of community service.  Students learn how community service can enhance a student’s educational experience, personal growth, employability, and civic responsibility. Students participate in one day of volunteering to enhance their understanding of civic responsibility and to help the New Brunswick Community College realize its vision of transforming lives and communities.

      In this course, learners focus on applying communication skills in reading, writing, speaking, document use, and critical thinking to make communication effective and efficient while developing computer-related skills necessary to be successful in college and on the job in a trade.

       

      In this course, learners focus on acquiring job search skills to gain a work-term placement as well as employment while also, developing interpersonal communication skills needed to grow their career.
       

      This is a 1-day environmental awareness training course based on Environment Canada's "Environmental Code of Practice for the Elimination of Fluorocarbon Emissions from Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems, 2014". It is suitable for residential, commercial, industrial, domestic, automotive and mobile applications. Specific topics covered are: CFCs and the ozone layer, isolation valving, recommended components, leak detection methods, system charging procedures, special maintenance provisions, and refrigerant recovery, reuse, recycle and reclamation equipment.

      Prerequisites:

      • SECU1322B

      The purpose of this course is to introduce the learner to Refrigeration and Air Conditioning as an industry so that they may have a better appreciation for the type of work the RAC technician does. Learners are attached to a work-site as approved by their instructors and work the regular weekly schedule of an RAC technician. 

      The purpose of this advanced practicum is to provide learners with a direct, supervised practical experience. Such an experience enables learners to apply the knowledge acquired during their training directly to their field of study. The practicum exposes the learners to the RAC trade environment and participants are expected to become members of the team in the industry site to which they are attached. 

      In this course, learners acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to work with refrigerants, gases, and oils in accordance with industry standards and provincial and federal environmental regulations. 
       

      Prerequisites:

      • RMMR1138A

      This course provides the learner with the fundamental knowledge of physics and chemistry necessary to understand mechanical refrigeration processes.
       

      In this course, learners acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to perform predictive and scheduled maintenance on Heating, Ventilation, Air conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • RMMR1140A
      • RMMR1141A
      • RMMR1142A

      In this course, learners will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to install and service valves and accessory devices used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • EFAE1075A
      • EFAE1076A
      • RMMR1137A

      In this course, learners will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to perform predictive and scheduled maintenance on compressors used in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • EFAE1076A
      • EFAE1075A
      • RMMR1137A

      This course covers theoretical and practical knowledge related to refrigeration system pressure and leak testing, evacuation and refrigerant charging, and refrigerant management for the handling, reuse, recovery, recycling, and reclaiming of refrigerants. Participants are challenged to demonstrate quality workmanship to industry standards which includes the procedures used to pressure and leak test, evacuate, and charge systems; and recover and recycle refrigerants from Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) systems with proper management of refrigerants with due process as regards for environmental protection.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • SECU1322B
      • RMMR1076G
      • RMMR1137A

      In this course learners plan, install, commission, and troubleshoot a walk-in cooler refrigeration system. Learners run test the system to obtain operating data and confirm correct operation. They diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical faults.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • EFAE1074A
      • WDSO1255A

      In this course learners commission and decommission a walk-in freezer refrigeration system. The system is commissioned and run tested to verify operation as a walk-in freezer with a pump-down control system. Refrigeration system and electrical faults are diagnosed and repaired.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • EFAE1074A
      • WDSO1255A

      A safe and healthy workplace is the responsibility of the employer and the employee. This course introduces students to the importance of working safely and addresses how employers and employees can control the hazards and risks associated with the workplace. Students will also learn about the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders including WorkSafeNB, the employer and the employee in ensuring workplaces are safe.

      This course introduces students to the safe use of rigging, hoisting and lifting equipment.

      Prerequisites:

        Learners apply proper techniques for flaring and swaging, soldering and brazing with air-fuel and oxygen-fuel equipment to complete tubing and piping tasks required in the refrigeration air conditioning industry.
         

        Prerequisites:

        • SECU1322B
        • CPTC1113B

        NOC Codes

        72302 - Gas fitters
        72402 - Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
        72420 - Oil and solid fuel heating mechanics

        Disclaimer: This web copy provides guidance to prospective students, applicants, current students, faculty and staff. Although advice is readily available on request, the responsibility for program selection ultimately rests with the student. Programs, admission requirements and other related information is subject to change.

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