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HVAC AS A Trade
There isn’t actually a specific trade called, “HVAC” in the list of designated trades in Canada. Instead, there are two main trades that one can get certified in to work on HVAC systems – Sheet Metal Worker (code 308), or Refrigeration/Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (code 313). There are two levels in each code – residential or commercial – meaning that there are a total of four different compulsory trades licenses one can acquire to work in the HVAC industry. Many HVAC technicians also acquire a gas fitters license.
Compulsory Trade
All four licenses are compulsory in Ontario, meaning that in order to be a legally licensed HVAC technician, one must complete an apprenticeship and keep their license renewed. Only the commercial licenses are Red Seal certified, meaning that a person with this level of qualification can work anywhere in Canada.
An “HVAC” Apprenticeship
All four licenses require completion of a classroom and a work experience component for the apprenticeship. The commercial sheet metal and refrigeration licenses require 9000 hours to complete, which is twice as long as the residential equivalents. The commercial Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (code 313A) apprenticeship process is outlined below. The Sheet Metal Worker (code 308A) process is similar while the residential processes only require 2 periods of schooling and just over 4000 work hours.
Period | Major Activities | Duration | Hourly Wage |
Year 1 | Foundational work – staging and moving pipe and equipment, cleaning and disposal | 2000 hours | $20 – $23 |
Class 1 – Basic | Basic Theory – safety, piping, codes, gases and pressure, soldering, etc. | 240 hours (2 months) | $0 |
Year 2 | Foundational work – staging and moving pipe and equipment, cleaning and disposal, inventory | 2000 hours | $23 – $26 |
Class 2 – Intermediate | Intermediate Theory – safety, pressure, cooling systems, codes, tools, etc. | 240 hours (2 months) | $0 |
Year 3 | Foundational work plus basic installs, repairs, planning, estimating etc. | 2000 hours | $25 – $30 |
Year 4 | Foundational work plus full range of refrigeration/AC tasks | 2000 hours | $28 – $33 |
Class 3 – Advanced | Advanced Theory – load calculations, air systems, controls, etc. | 240 hours (2 months) | $0 |
Year 5 | Foundational work plus all refrigeration tasks, write Certificate of Qualification Exam | 280 hours | $30 – $55 |
Specialisations in HVAC
An HVAC technician will show up to your house when your furnace or air conditioner is on the fritz. These people do a lot of service and repair work, as well as sales of new A/C units or furnaces, and some new home construction. Most residential-only HVAC companies are smaller operations with under 50 employees, and most of them offer plumbing services as well.
Some companies do more project-based work, which can consist of doing the sheet metal and cooling systems for large industrial, commercial or institutional buildings. These companies tend to be much larger, often employing more than 250 people, and they may be full multi-trade companies offering a full suite of plumbing, electrical, and HVAC services.
The starting point for all of these possibilities is an apprenticeship. And you don’t have to pick your specialisation right away. You can start an apprenticeship with a small residential company and end up working on office towers or in large factories (if you have your commercial license). In either the residential or commercial space, be a professional, be utterly reliable, and the opportunities will come to you. Let Trade Smart College help you take this first step on your journey.
Whether you’re a prospective student, a parent or a company, we want to hear from you and put you in touch with one of our team members as soon as possible. We feel it is important to answer your questions one-on-one, so you can make informed decisions about joining us on our mission to connect students and companies. Please fill out the form, and we will get back to you very soon.
HVAC Apprenticeship or University?
Becoming a fully qualified “journeyperson” HVAC technician does take time. In fact, it takes a year longer to become a commercial HVAC technician than it does to get a university degree. However, aside from part-time and summer jobs, you don’t get paid to go to university. So instead of earning $40,000 to $65,000 a year as an apprentice, getting a degree will cost you $30,000 a year in tuition and living expenses.
At the end of four years, you can be $120,000 in the hole pursuing a degree, or up to $210,000 ahead as an apprentice.
If you decide to do a residential HVAC apprenticeship, it will only take you half the time. However, it is a more limited credential, and many companies prefer candidates with their commercial license.
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