Indigenous 
Overview
Take the first steps towards becoming a licensed HVAC professional. This first-level pre-apprenticeship program for the Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic trade is delivered from June 2 to October 3, 2025.
In addition to fulfilling the requirements needed to continue in an apprenticeship (pending employer sponsorship), participants will also receive health & safety certifications as well as essential employability skills.
This pre-apprenticeship program is funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) to develop greater numbers of skilled tradespeople in response to Ontario's shortage of skilled workers.
What's included:
- The funding includes tuition, hand tools, personal protective equipment (PPE) and all learning resources.
- In addition, you will be introduced to the plumbing trade as part of this program.
- The program includes an 8-week paid field placement. The program team will work with you to find a placement
- As an MLITSD-funded program, your level 1 in-class pre-apprenticeship training and hours earned during the placement are credited towards your apprenticeship in the trade.
This Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
The views expressed in this webpage are the views of St. Lawrence College and do not necessarily reflect those of the Province of Ontario. The Government of Ontario and its agencies are in no way bound by any recommendations contained in this webpage.
Program Details
Program Highlights
The in-class portion of the program is approximately 50% theory and 50% practical learning, perfect for the mechanically inclined hands-on learner.
In this program, participants will:
- Obtain their level 1 in-class as well as an introduction to the secondary trade - Plumber
- Develop secondary proficiencies such as welding, electrical diagnostics and pipe fitting
- Complete career-readiness training, with legislated workplace training and health & safety certifications as well as employability skills
Program Outline
2024-2025
Upon successful completion, the apprentice will be able to describe the responsibilities of employers and employees relating to safe working practices and protection of the environment in accordance with applicable Acts, Regulations, Legislation, and Codes
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify and describe the OHSA its regulations and applicable terms and sections.
- Identify and describe the applications for personal protective equipment including personal lift and material handling equipment, working at heights, fall arrest, LOTO
- Identify and describe safe working conditions, regulations and procedures for job sites and the safe handling of hazardous and toxic materials, including refrigerants, ODP requirement and refrigerant containment
- Identify and describe Fire safety procedures
- Review all pertinent Codes, Acts, Regulations and Legislations
Upon successful completion, the apprentice will be able to describe in detail the fundamentals of a mechanical cooling cycle.
Upon successful completion, the apprentice will be able to describe the operating principles and function of the mechanical cooling system components and accessories.
Upon successful completion, the apprentice will be able to describe the operating principles and fundamentals of an electrical system and components used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
Upon successful completion, the apprentice will be able to braze or solder pipe and piping and cut or weld plate and angle steel.
Upon successful completion, the apprentice will be able demonstrate procedures for the installation and commissioning of mechanical cooling systems.
Upon successful completion, the apprentice will be able identify procedures for the inspection and basic maintenance of mechanical cooling systems and components
This course introduces the apprentice to the skills required to read and interpret mechanical blueprints. The student learns to prepare sketches and to understand the different types of drawings, views, notes, and title blocks as applied to a residential site. Students also apply interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and follow on-the-job directions.
Requirements
Admission Requirements
More information on how to qualify for this program can be found on Government of Ontario’s information page on pre-apprenticeship.
Other Requirements
It is highly recommended that participants have a driver's license and access to a vehicle for the duration of the placement.
Placement
We will assist those who complete the in-class portion of training with securing an 8-week paid placement.
Kingston
Our Kingston campus has seen significant renovation over the past few years, including a brand new Student Life and Innovation Centre that houses a new gymnasium, fitness centre, pub, and more.
Career Opportunities
Participants in this program will gain skills to be able to install and service air conditioning systems and heat pumps. Such skilled tradespeople are in high demand as more and more homeowners across Ontario replace air conditioning systems with heat pumps and choose heat pumps as their primary source of home heating to reduce carbon emissions. A skilled tradesperson working with heat pumps can find themselves in a rewarding career with opportunities for growth, job security, and the satisfaction of contributing to a more sustainable future.
In addition, the exposure to the plumbing trade as part of this program allows the graduate to play a bigger role in HVAC businesses, who are increasingly multi-trade contractors.