Overview
The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Foundation program provides a foundation in basic refrigeration system design, installation and service. The training prepares students for entry-level employment in the commercial refrigeration industry.
The program
Upon successful completion of this program, students should seek an entry-level position as an apprentice in this field or in other related industries. Graduates who enter the trade within one year of graduation can expect credit for the first level of technical training for the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic apprenticeship. The program also includes the first level of the Gas B training; this gives you the opportunity to enter term 2 of our Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician Co-op program.
Who it’s for
This career path is suited to those who are interested in working with mechanical and electrical systems, and who enjoy troubleshooting and being independent. The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician program prepares students to seek employment as an apprentice Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic.
What grads can do
As a result of the expanding markets for refrigeration and air conditioning and changing technology, a dramatic need exists for qualified personnel both at home and abroad. A refrigeration mechanic fabricates, installs, alters, repairs, and services any system used for cooling and/or heating (i.e., heat pumps). This program gives you the entry level knowledge to start a career as a Refrigeration and HVAC Mechanic.
Entrance Requirements
Application processing
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Entrance requirements
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first qualified basis as long as space remains. When available intakes are full, qualified applicants are wait-listed.
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements prior to applying to this program. If you are uncertain or don’t meet the requirements we strongly recommend you complete any applicable Trades Entry Assessments before applying.
- English language proficiency: one of the following:
- Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent or
- BCIT English Trades Entry Assessment
- Math: one of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 11 (60%) or
- Foundations of Math 11 (60%) or
- Workplace Math 11 (60%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
- BCIT Math Trades Entry Assessment
- BCIT Mechanical Reasoning Trades Entry Assessment
Recommended for success
- Applicants should have:
- Good command of oral and written English
- Sufficient physical strength and stamina to meet the demands of the work, good hearing, good eyesight, normal colour vision, manual dexterity and hand/eye coordination
- Good theoretical and practical mathematical skills and mechanical aptitude
- Potential students with medical or physical difficulties should contact Accessibility Services to arrange an interview (telephone interview if out of town) with the institute's rehabilitation specialist at 604-451-6963.
Trades Discovery
The Trades Discovery General and Trades Discovery for Women are full-time programs designed to prepare participants to successfully enter and complete a Trades Training program.International applicants
This program is available to international applicants. A valid study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Please note that international students are not eligible to continue to an apprenticeship training program. To learn more about international student opportunities at BCIT, visit BCIT International.
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
September each year.
*Scheduled intakes are subject to change.myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition and fees, visit:
Books & supplies
$846 (general estimated cost, and subject to change)
Students are required to supply their own coveralls. A supply of coveralls are available through the BCIT Bookstore. Please check the uniform authorization voucher [PDF] to determine the type of coveralls required for your program.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Courses
Class hours
0700–1400, Monday through Friday
Program matrix
| Required Courses: | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| RFMX 1100 | Effective Learning Techniques | 1.0 | |
| RFMX 1102 | Apply Trade Safety Practices | 2.0 | |
| RFMX 1104 | Process Technical Information | 4.0 | |
| RFMX 1106 | Perform High Temperature Welding | 2.0 | |
| RFMX 1108 | Apply Trade Tools/Fasteners | 4.0 | |
| RFMX 1110 | Apply Fundamentals of Refrigeration | 11.0 | |
| RFMX 1112 | Perform Proper Service Procedures | 8.0 | |
| RFMX 1114 | Apply Electrical Fundamentals | 6.0 | |
| RFMX 1116 | Interpret Electrical Diagrams | 4.0 | |
| RFMX 1118 | Apply Electrical Test Equipment | 4.0 | |
| RFMX 1120 | Install Electrical / Mechanical Equipment | 4.0 | |
| Total Credits: | 50.0 | ||
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
Program length
25 weeks, full-time
Grading
Minimum course passing grade is 64 per cent. In order to successfully complete the program an overall grade point average (GPA) of 70 per cent or better is required.
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
SkilledTradesBC
BCIT transfers the student's name, contact information, Personal Education Number (PEN), and the name and date of the completed Foundation program to SkilledTradesBC. This information is used for the purposes of tracking successful completions in order to grant credit towards apprenticeship where applicable, and communicating with trainees to promote continuation in an apprenticeship program.Graduating & Jobs
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2021-2023 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2020-2022 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Faculty
Robin Gibson, Refrigeration TQ and IP
Department Head
Tel: 604-456-8034
Email: rgibson15@bcit.ca
Jim Bussanich, Refrigeration TQ and IP
Faculty
Tel: 604-451-6747
Email: jim_bussanich@bcit.ca
Ricky He, Refrigeration TQ and IP
Faculty
Tel: 604-432-8426
Email: ricky_he@bcit.ca
Robert Supeene , Refrigeration TQ and IP
Faculty
Tel: 604-432-8255
Email: rsupeene@bcit.ca
Technical Staff
Tony Edwards
Toolroom Attendant
Tel: 604-432-8774
Email: tony_edwards@bcit.ca
Staff
Sanja Boskovic, PhD Mechanical Engineering, PhD Educational Technology
Associate Dean
Tel: 604-451-6964
Email: sanja_boskovic@bcit.ca
Kelsey Sem
Administrative Assistant
Tel: 604-432-8259
Email: kelsey_sem@bcit.ca
Advisory committee
Ray Bollinger
President, Just Mechanical Ltd.
Maurice Castonguay
Service Account Manager, Trane Canada
Taylor Gandy
CEO, Gandy Installations
Warren Maloff
HVAC Project Manager, Pacific West Mechanical
Allan Parkhill
President, Airstream Heating & Air Conditioning
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