FULL-TIME | WINNIPEG LOCATIONS REF5F-CT Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technician

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Overview

  • Five-month certificate
  • January and August entry dates
  • Notre Dame Campus, Winnipeg
  • Credit transfer opportunity: students receiving a minimum mark of 70% in all courses are eligible for level 1 accreditation for the technical training portion of their apprenticeship
  • Due to high demand, this funded program is open to Manitoba residents only. Applications received from non-Manitoba residents for this program will be cancelled and the application fee will not be refunded.

Description
Refrigeration and air conditioning technicians or mechanics install, repair, service, and design residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC/R (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration) equipment.
 
The program provides both theoretical and practical knowledge of refrigeration systems, air conditioning, piping, welding and electrical wiring. Special emphasis will be placed on safety regulations as they pertain to using, reusing, recycling, recovering, and reclaiming HCFC and HFC refrigerants as well as the safe handling and disposal of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

Prior to starting the program, you will be invited to attend a program overview information session. You will also be invited to participate in a math and reading skills diagnostic testing session that will advise you of your program readiness.

This is a not an apprenticeship program, but may provide credit transfer opportunities towards apprenticeship.  The Government of Manitoba, Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade offers apprenticeship training that combines on-the-job practical skills development with levels of technical training.  If you are interested in applying to an apprenticeship program, please visit www.manitoba.ca/tradecareers

Admission Requirements

Your Academic History
If your academic history includes any of the following, please visit My Education for important information: post-secondary studies at an institution other than Red River College Polytechnic; Modified (M), English as an Additional Language (E), or GED high school courses; or home schooling; international secondary (high school) studies.
The college requires transcripts verifying your complete academic history including any public or private high school, college, university, or technical institute you have attended.

DOCUMENT SUBMISSION

Upload Through Your Future Student Account

  • Scan your document(s) and save the file. Ensure you keep your original documents as the College may request to see them at any time.
  • Go to apply.rrc.ca and log in.
  • Click on your application, then Supplemental Items & Documents.

If you do not have a Future Student Account or require assistance, please contact our Student Service Centre at 204-632-2327.

Internationally Educated Applicants - visit www.rrc.ca/credentials for credential assessment information.

Submission of required documentation indicating proof of completion of admission requirements is due within 15 days of applying unless otherwise noted in the program's admission requirements.

However, if you apply within 6 weeks of the program start date, admission requirements are due within 5 days of applying.

Regular Admission Requirements

  1. Grade 12
    • Submit proof of graduation from or enrolment in Grade 12, including one credit in each of the following:
      • Grade 12 English (40S)
      • Grade 11 Applied Math or Pre-Calculus Math (30S), or Grade 12 Consumer Math or Essential Math (40S)
      • Grade 11 Science  (30S)
    • If you provide proof of enrolment at time of application, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter
    • If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so.  See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
      and
  2. English Language Requirements (ELRs)
    • Answer this question to determine if you meet this program’s ELRs:
      Have I successfully completed 3 years of full-time high school (secondary) education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country where English was the language of instruction?
      • If YES, you meet English language requirements.  Apply and then submit your transcripts* for review
        or
      • If NO, submit proof of meeting an ELRs option.  If you choose the English language assessment option, review this program's approved assessments and required levels.
        or 
      • If you completed all of your education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country in English but you did not graduate high school, submit your transcripts* for review. 
    • * If your transcripts are from the USA or an ELR exempt country, we will assess an International Credentials Assessment Fee to be paid before your transcripts will be reviewed.

    Mature Student Admission Requirements
    If you are 19 years of age or older and have been out of high school for a minimum of one year at time of application, and you do not meet the regular admission requirements, you may apply under the Mature Student admission requirements.

    1. Academic Requirements
      • High school graduation is not required, but you must have successfully completed or be enrolled in one credit in each of the following:
        • Grade 11 Applied Math or Pre-Calculus Math (30S), or Grade 12 Consumer Math or Essential Math (40S)
        • Grade 11 Science (30S)
        • Grade 10 English (20F) is not required but is strongly recommended
      • If you provide proof of enrolment at time of application, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter
      • If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so.  See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
        and
    2. Meet Regular Admission Requirement 2

    English Language Assessments


    Approved English Language Assessments

    English Language Assessment Minimum Scores for Certificates, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas, and Post Graduate Certificates, Post-graduate Diplomas Minimum Scores for Bachelor Degrees and Creative Communication (excluding Nursing) Minimum Scores for Applicable Health Related Programs***
    CAEL Online or In-Person Overall band score of 60 Overall band score of 70 and Writing of 60 Overall band score of 70 and Writing of 60††
    IELTS Academic Level Overall 6.0 and No band below 5.5 Overall 6.5 and No band below 6.0 Overall 7.0 and No band below 6.5
    Password Skills Overall 6.0 and No band below 5.5 Overall 6.5 and No band below 6.0 Overall 7.0 and No band below 6.5††
    LINC Certificate 7 8 Successful completion of Communication for Health Care Professions††
    Duolingo Language Test 115 and above+ with a min. of 95 in each section 125 and above with a min. of 100 in each section N/A††
    New English for Academic and Professional Purposes Successful completion of the program 5 (min 70%) Successful completion of the program 5 (min 70%) N/A††
    PTE 54 overall
    Min 50 in each skill
    60 overall
    Min 55 in each skill band
    N/A††
    TOEFL-ibt Academic Level 80
    (20L, 20S, 19R, 21W)
    90
    (22L, 22S, 22R, 24W)
    98
    (24L, 23S, 24R, 27W)
    Academic English Program for University and College Entrance Program (AEPUCE) Successful Completion Successful Completion N/A††
    CELBAN N/A N/A 8, 8, 8, 7††

    The Duolingo Language Test will no longer be an approved English proficiency test for applications to the Bachelor of Nursing and Allied Health Programs

    ††These English Language Assessments will not be accepted by Medical Laboratory Sciences

    ***Applicable Health Related Programs:

    • Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography – Echocardiography
    • Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Ultrasound
    • Health Information Management
    • Medical Device Reprocessing Technician
    • Medical Laboratory Sciences
      Only accepts the following English language proficiency tests:
      • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
      • TOEFL iBT
      • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
      • IELTS – AC
      • Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees (CanTEST)
    • Medical Radiologic Technology
    • MRI and Spectroscopy
    • Nurse Prescriber Reproductive Health/STBBI
    • Nurse Prescriber Travel Health
    • Nurse Re-Entry
    • Nursing
    • Nursing – Licensed Practical Nurse to BN Pathway
    • Occupational Health and Safety
    • Paramedicine – Advanced Care
    • Paramedicine – Primary Care Paramedic

    Who Should Enrol?

    Reference books are essential components of the work procedures for this program, and require above-average reading vocabulary and comprehension.

    To succeed in this program, you should have a strong mechanical aptitude with a good background in mathematics and physical sciences.  You should also possess good eyesight and good manual and finger dexterity.  Your ability to work independently will be an asset. 

    Because this program is academically challenging, you should be prepared to spend approximately two hours per night on homework.

    Locations, Dates and Fees

    Next Estimated Term 1 Start Date (subject to change)

    Location Start Date Apply Link
    Notre Dame Campus Aug 31, 2026 Apply Now

    Costs (estimates only; subject to change)

    Program/Student Fees
    Year 1
    $3,873.00
    Books and Supplies
    Year 1
    $500.00

    Students may apply for financial assistance through the Manitoba Student Aid program. For general information on applying please call 204-945-6321 or 1-800-204-1685, or visit their website at www.manitobastudentaid.ca, which also includes an online application. For detailed information, please visit one of the RRC Polytech Student Service Centres or call 204-632-2327. Applicants requiring financial assistance should complete their student loan applications well in advance of the class start date.

    Courses and Descriptions

    (Click the course name to view the description of the course)
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
    In addition to Transfer of Credit from a recognized post secondary institution, other RPL processes are available for RPL courses. Click here for more information. For courses with no RPL, please check www.rrc.ca/rpl for additional contact information.
    BLPR-1009Print Reading and Sketching
    More Information

    This course introduces students to print, reading and sketching as it relates to the construction trades.

    COMM-1120Technical Communications
    More Information

    This course introduces students to technical communication required in the refrigeration and air conditioning field. Topics include e-mail and letter writing, short informal report, short oral presentation, and preparation for employment. A brief session on Work Standards and Workers’ Compensation Board will be presented.

    ELEC-1027Electrical Fundamentals
    More Information

    This course will provide students with knowledge of basic electrical theory, wiring practices including drawing and interpretation of wiring and schematic diagrams. As well, it introduces students to the principles surrounding the service and installation of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.

    MATH-1048Mathematics
    More Information

    This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and practice in mathematical operations for technical problems in the refrigeration trade. Topics include whole numbers, fractions, decimals, units of measure, perimeter/areas/volumes, percentages, square root, ratio and proportion, and right angle triangle.

    REFA-1042Refrigeration Fundamentals
    More Information

    This course will provide students with the theory behind refrigeration (thermodynamics, gas laws, etc.) and basic installation and service of refrigeration and air-conditioning systems including components, accessories, refrigerant handling, system analysis, and troubleshooting.

    REFA-1043Scope of the Trade
    More Information

    This course provides students with an overview of the history and current structure and scope of the refrigeration trade. As well, students are offered information about opportunities for employment in the various sectors of the trade.

    REFA-1044Gas Code
    More Information

    This course is designed to provide students with a basic introduction to the layout and rules and regulations surrounding the responsibilities of gasfitting in the refrigeration technician trade. Included in the course are definitions and theory of combustion found within the R&AC industry.

    REFA-1045Piping Fundamentals
    More Information

    This course will provide students with basic knowledge in refrigeration and air conditioning, piping installation principles and practices. It also gives students the opportunity to transfer underpinning knowledge of pipe bending, swaging, flaring, brazing and soldering to practical applications.

    REFA-9001Refrigeration and Air Cond Learn
    More Information

    (No description available at this time)

    REFA-9002Math and Science LEARN
    More Information

    (No description available at this time)

    SAFE-1010Trade Safety
    More Information

    This course provides students with basic safety training involving shop material, refrigerant handling, and safety and storage procedures.

    SCIE-1017Science
    More Information

    This course will provide students with a basic understanding of pneumatics, thermodynamics, psychometrics, and hydraulics as they pertain to the field of refrigeration mechanics. Students will be able to use Pressure-Enthalpy and psychrometric charts and calculate values.

    SEMR-9528AC-22 Accreditation - Level 1
    More Information

    Students receiving a minimum mark of 70% in all courses are eligible for level 1 accreditation for the technical training portion of their apprenticeship.

    Computer/Laptop Requirements

    Online learning is a critical component of course delivery in all Red River College Polytechnic programs. To ensure each student has the tools they need to achieve their academic goals, all Red River College Polytechnic students require, at minimum:

    1.  Off-campus access to a current computer with a webcam

    2.  A high speed internet connection

    • Recommended minimum speed: 10 mbps for download, 3 mbps for upload
    • Slower internet connection speeds may result in audio and video issues. Please keep in mind that if others in your home are using the same internet connection at the same time as you are, you may also experience audio and video issues.
    • Please refer to https://www.rrc.ca/future-students/computer-requirements/ for further information on Computer Requirements for Students.

    Please note that any anticipated costs are not included in Books and Supplies estimates.

    Recognition of Prior Learning

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which documents and compares an individual's prior learning gained from prior education, work and life experiences and personal study to the learning outcomes in College courses/programs. For more information, please visit www.rrc.ca/rpl.

    Employment Potential

    Graduates find employment with refrigeration and air conditioning companies as apprentices or as customer consultants in refrigeration retail stores. 

    Journeypersons work mainly in the construction and installation of cooling plants, the maintenance and installation of cooling cabinets and walk-in boxes, and the design, maintenance, and installation of heating systems including boilers, rooftop units, and furnaces as well as building ventilation systems both residential and commercial.

    Academic Advising Service
    Our academic advising service can provide information about our full-time programs, explain program admission requirements, and help you select the right program to meet your career and academic goals. We can also connect you with helpful people, resources, and supports.
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    Red River College Polytechnic endeavours to provide the most current version of all program and course information on this website. Please be advised that classes may be scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, process, or procedure without notice or prejudice. Fees may change without notice.