Obtaining real world experience prior to graduation is one of the ways in which Centennial College's Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic graduates enhance their resumes to stand apart from their competition. But there is a host of other benefits that students stand to gain from this two-year program.
Here are some of the most important facts :-- Students graduate with a respected Ontario College Diploma.
- The program gives students the chance to simultaneously complete their diploma and train as apprentices.
- To ensure a balance between on-the-job experience and classroom learning, students spend eight months in a work placement assisted by the college.
- Students are assisted in finding a paid work placement to gain experience working in the field.
- The hours spent in the work placement are counted towards the practical part of apprenticeship training.
- A wide overview of knowledge of the design, installation and service techniques of heating refrigeration and air conditioning systems for commercial and residential settings is included.
- Through hands-on practice, students learn to service, maintain, size and select equipment for air conditioning and refrigeration applications along with an introduction to hydraulics and forced air heating.
- Faculty members who have experience in the field guide students through their courses while making themselves available for one-on-one time.
- Prior to field placement, all hands-on training takes place at Progress Campus.
- Progress Campus features labs that are fully equipped with tools of the trade.
- Specific hands-on topics include: the use of new refrigerant, selection of equipment to meet the Season Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) standards, the efficiency standards of heating equipment, and installation and service techniques.
- Among the particular courses within the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning program are: Electrical & Control Systems, Pressure Enthalpy & Refrigerants Cooling Systems and Components, Plan Specifications & Load Calculations Systems and Components, Advanced Electrical, Auto Cad, Prints & Heat Load Calculations; Applied Psychrometrics, and many others.
To apply for this Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic offering, students must have previously completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Among the specific required credits are: English Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent (minimum grade required) or taking the Centennial College English Skills Assessment for Admission; and Mathematics Grade 11 M or U, or 12 C or U, or equivalent (minimum grade required) or taking a Centennial College Engineering Math Skills Assessment for Admission. Mature applicants must present OSSD, OSSC (High School Diploma or Certificate) or GED.
Additional requirements during the admission process for the program include: completing a questionnaire to assess co-op employability, attend a mandatory information/interview session to briefly discuss questionnaire answers, eligibility to work as an apprentice in Ontario. Lastly, applicants educated outside of Canada must present a credential evaluation of OSSD, OSSC (High School Diploma or Certificate) or GED.
