Education · 1 of 4

The path

The Red Seal trade is called Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic. In Ontario it is a 9,000 hour apprenticeship.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Grade 12 with math and physics.

2. 2

   Find a sponsor

   Weeks to months

   A mechanical contractor, a home service company or a union hall. A college pre-apprenticeship in HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) makes this much easier.

3. 3

   Register the apprenticeship

   Days

   With Skilled Trades Ontario or your provincial trades authority. Get your ODP (ozone depletion prevention) card early so you can handle refrigerant.

4. 4

   Work and study

   4 to 5 years

   9,000 hours in Ontario (8,280 on the job plus 720 in class over three blocks) on refrigeration, electrical controls, airflow and codes. Most other provinces run 4 periods.

5. 5

   Certificate of Qualification, Red Seal and gas licence

   After your hours

   Pass the provincial exam and the interprovincial Red Seal. Most residential techs also get a G2 gas licence from the TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) in Ontario.