Required: Co-op work terms are mandatory as per the program schedule illustrated below.
The Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician Diploma Program provides a foundation in refrigeration system design, installation and service.
The first academic term is devoted to Direct Refrigeration Systems. The second and third academic terms emphasize the diagnosis, service requirements and procedures of HVAC system design, operation and controls.
For more information on the program, including an overview of the curriculum, please visit Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC&R) Technician.
Program schedule
Students in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC&R) Technician Diploma program alternate technical training terms with work terms. Employment periods commence after each of the first two technical terms.
| Technical Term 1 | 21 weeks |
| Work term 1 | 22 weeks |
| Technical Term 2 | 14 weeks |
| Work term 2 | 22 weeks |
| Technical Term 3 | 10 weeks |
Student profile & capabilities
Depending on whether the student is embarking on their 1st or 2nd work term, students have received instruction and training on:
- Trade safety practices and technical information
- Fundamentals of refrigeration and service procedures
- Electrical fundamentals, diagrams, and equipment testing
- Installation of electrical devices and refrigeration projects
- Design refrigeration system and HVAC distribution system
- Heat pump systems, gas heating system, and computer
- Environmental systems
- Ammonia systems/water treatment
- Air distribution arrangement, air properties and measurements
- Heat/cool load calculations
Co-op job title examples
- HVAC Technician
- Refrigeration & Service Technician
- HVAC Helper
Student testimonial
“The benefits of the co-op program in my opinion are that it is a lot more intensive and hands on. This is what I have learned from employers, where people have taken schooling from other schools. BCIT’s education is outstanding.”
JUSTIN YU
Student testimonial
“Through co-op, students will have the opportunity to prove their ability and be able to find a job after graduation.”
ASTOR SU
Employer testimonial
“Workplace education is the key for any apprentice learning their craft. Until you are in the field actually working on the equipment you really don’t get a full idea of what you are getting into. The co-op program for instance is great for that because its good mix between being in school and the workplace within the time frame of the course.”
DAMON DAVIS, AIRSTREAM HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING