HRAC Programs at Ontario Colleges

What to expect from a career in Heating and Cooling

HRAC programs at Ontario colleges cover a mixture of heating, refrigeration and air conditioning studies, giving you a broad set of skills to build on in your career.

If you have an aptitude for mechanic skills and want to apply it to the HRAC industry, here’s what you need to know. More

HRAC Courses

There are HVAC and HRAC techniques and technicians programs, as well as HRAC technology programs available at Ontario colleges. Generally, one-semester and one-year certificate courses (techniques) will provide an overview of the skills in heating and cooling. These programs can be built on with an HRAC technician course or students can enter the field directly.

An HRAC technician or technology program (generally two- and three-year diploma programs) will teach many of the skills of the techniques program, but will add to them with opportunities for deeper exploration and practical training through lab work. Students learn to design, build, maintain and service heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems.

Some of the study areas covered in these programs include (but aren’t limited to):

Sheet metal fabrication
HRAC design computer applications
Workplace safety
Study of the Gas Code
Blueprint reading

General HRAC Program Requirements

HRAC techniques, technician and technology programs require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, which includes a grade 12 mathematics credit. Senior physics and computer engineering, as well as grade 12 English and grade 12 business and communication credits, are often recommended.

Note: After completion of an HRAC program, students may write the Gas Technician II or Gas Technician III certification test from the Technical Standards and Safety Authority in order to qualify for work in the field. Depending on the program, students may also be able to challenge level 1 and / or level 2 HRAC apprenticeship exemptions, or be prepared to write other certifications, like the oil burner technician test.

HRAC Jobs and Salaries

Once graduates gain the proper accreditation to work in the field, career opportunities may include (but aren’t limited to):

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics
Installation, Servicing and Maintenance of Heating and Cooling Systems
Heating and Cooling Wholesalers

Graduates can also develop and test products or work in service and estimation for HRAC companies, construction companies or on contract.

Average salaries in the field are typically between $29,000 and $32,000 per year. As you gain more certifications and your level of expertise increases, so should your pay.

Ontario Colleges Offering HRAC Programs

Use the left-column navigation to refine your search by College, Program Availability, Program Start Date and more, or see the table below for a complete list of HRAC programs at Ontario colleges. Less

HRAC Programs at Ontario Colleges

What to expect from a career in Heating and Cooling

HRAC Courses

General HRAC Program Requirements

HRAC Jobs and Salaries

Ontario Colleges Offering HRAC Programs

More Information

Show

Show

BUILDING SYSTEMS ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN

BUILDING SYSTEMS ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN

BUILDING SYSTEMS ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN

HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION TECHNIQUES

Heating, Refrig & AC Mech/Tech Co-op Apprentice

HEATING, REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING

HEATING, REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING

HEATING, REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING TECHNICIAN

HEATING, REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING TECHNICIAN

HEATING, REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING TECHNICIAN

You have refined by:

Search by Keyword:

Select a College

Refine Your Search