What does a Refrigeration Mechanic do?
Simply put...we affect so many aspects of everyday life.
A refrigeration mechanic installs, repairs, and services all equipment that creates
heating or cooling.
A refrigeration mechanic holds 3 trade tickets -Refrigeration, Gas Fitter,
Restricted Electrical.
A refrigeration mechanic serves a 4-year apprenticeship with 4 levels of Technical Training.
A refrigeration mechanic continues learning and adapting with advances
in new technologies.
Here are some of the economic sectors in BC that rely on us to be well-trained:
Healthcare - MRI machines, CT scanners, Cancer research, Medicine, Blood & Plasma Storage, Medical Gas
Food Industry - Food Processing Plants, Grocery Stores, Convenience Stores, Fishing Industry, Farming Industry
Transportation - Refrigerated Trucks, Trailers, Containers
Entertainment, Sports & Leisure - Ice Rinks, Curling Rinks, Public Pools, Restaurants, Ice Machines
Business & Government - Office Temperature Control, Server Rooms, Cell Towers, Growth Chambers, Downtown Office Towers
Home Comfort - Heat Pumps, Gas Furnaces, Air Purification, Air Conditioning
Visit SkilledTradesBC here to find out more.
Thinking this is the trade for you? You've seen the importance and benefits of the trade above, you may have even checked out the wage scales and health plan. Now time for a little real talk. Here are some things people will not necessarily tell you about the Refrigeration Trade:
• You will work by yourself, on your own 90% of the time.
• You will get dirty every day.
• You will work on your knees.
• If you are not mechanically or electrically inclined, you are probably picking the wrong trade.
• If you have a fear of heights, you are probably picking the wrong trade.
• You will be working from ladders, scissor lifts, and on roofs.
• The customer doesn’t care if you have plans for 5pm. You are required to stay and fix the equipment properly, then you can go.
• You will be “On Call” for emergency after hours service in addition to working each day. Everyone takes a turn, you don’t get to choose the weeks.
• You will work long hours some days, you won’t get to choose the days.
• You will work very few hours some days, you won’t get to choose the days.
• You will work in the rain, in the wind, in the extreme heat and extreme cold on a roof.
• You will need to wear a uniform, be presentable, talk to customers, sometimes deal with difficult customers & act professional despite being dirty.
• You will need to supply and maintain your own basic tools.
• There is a high level of math & science required to be successful in this trade, without math skills passing Technical Training can be a serious challenge.
• We recommend Math Foundations 11 as the bare MINIMUM to enter our trade, we prefer Pre Calc 11.
• The apprenticeship is 4 levels of technical training. Consisting of Level 1 – 6 weeks, Level 2 – 7 weeks, Level 3 - 10 weeks, and Level 4 – 10 weeks.
• There is a long waitlist to get into school.
If you got to this point, and you're still interested in the trade...visit the Join Us page next.
