Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

There is steady demand for refrigeration and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) specialists—in commercial, industrial and institutional settings. It is an apprenticeship trade, so you’ll find a clear path to a journeyperson’s ticket and excellent earning potential.

The job itself has a mechanical focus. You install, maintain and repair refrigeration and cooling systems. But it also involves problem-solving skills, basic math skills, the ability to read and interpret specifications, and the ability to work with power tools and sophisticated technology.

The one-year Refrigeration and Air Conditioning certificate program is offered in Saskatoon. Experienced instructors help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to install, operate and service commercial and industrial refrigeration and HVAC equipment. Your training includes:

• basic refrigeration systems, cycles and components
• system installation
• electrical control systems
• graphics, math, hand tools
• mechanical and electrical skills
• refrigerants and refrigeration load calculation
• safety
• system design, installation, operation
• test and repair system components

Hands-on Training

You’ll spend as much time getting “hands-on” experience in the shop as you do in the classroom. You’ll also participate in a work experience.

The Day-to-Day Job

Having a natural aptitude for mechanical and electrical equipment or systems is an asset; good problem-solving and customer service skills are a must.

Apprenticeship Credit

With this Saskatchewan Polytechnic credential, you may be eligible for credit towards apprenticeship training. To learn more, contact the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC).

Trade to Degree

The Bachelor of Applied Management (BAMgt) degree provides journeypersons the unique opportunity to leverage existing education and experience into a bachelor's degree with two years of additional study. Part-time and remote options are available.

Your Career

Our graduates are working in installation, service and sales. You could get a job with a refrigeration or air conditioning installation contractor, mine or mill site, manufacturing facility, food wholesaler, engineering firm, retail firm or service company.

Potential Careers

32 weeks

• Saskatoon

Admission Requirements

• Grade 12 with any 30 level mathematics*
• Minimum overall average of 60%
• English Language Requirement

*Previous Saskatchewan mathematics requirement also accepted: 

• a 30-level math (no change for this program)

Alternative Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through an alternative admission assessment. Applicants are automatically considered for alternative admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met.

ACCUPLACER©

Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Alternative Admission using Accuplacer.

• 250 Arithmetic
• 245 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics
• 247 Reading
• 241 Writing

Post-secondary

Some programs allow applicants to meet the admission grade level requirement using 15 approved post-secondary credits. Review additional information.

If the program applied to has specific course requirements, they may be met through alternative post-secondary courses. Review already approved courses that may be used for admission purposes for your programs.

Admission Method

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake. 

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year. 

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

2022/23 Academic Year

$7,935

Semester 1

COMM 127

Fundamental Communication Skills

2

ELEC 138

Basic Electricity 1

3

MATH 199

Mathematics

4

METL 181

Soldering and Brazing

3

PIPE 182

Basic Piping Techniques

3

RFRG 106

Accessories, Head Pressure Control and Refrigerants

3

RFRG 107

Fundamentals of Refrigeration

4

RFRG 184

Basic Refrigeration System Components and Capacity Control

4

RFRG 191

Basic System Installation

4

TOOL 188

Basic Hand Tools

1

WLDR 179

Welding

1

Semester 2

ELEC 139

Basic Electricity 2

3

GRPH 181

Graphics

4

HVAC 102

HVAC Basics

3

INDG 100

Introduction to Indigenous Studies

1

RFRG 108

Electrical

3

RFRG 109

Motors and Defrost Systems

4

RFRG 192

System Design and Operation

4

RFRG 193

System Design and Installation

4

SAFE 114

Safety and Electrical Control Systems

4

WORK 114

Work Experience

0

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

See link(s) below to get more information about PLAR.

• Candidate Guide
• More about PLAR

Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.

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