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The apprenticeship model "earn while you learn" is the backbone of many trades in Canada including HVACR.
Apprenticeship typically combines in-class training and on-the-job training over a period of 2 to 5 years. The one exception is in Quebec where they require one to complete their full in-class training before moving on to the on-the-job training component. See the section on Apprenticeship Paths for province/territory specific requirements. What follows is a basic generic outline of the apprenticeship process.
Step 1: Early Training and Experience
As discussed in the section on Defining HVACR, there are many entry paths into this career such as plumbing, electrical, gas fitting, oil burners, sheet metal or refrigeration and air conditioning. You do NOT need to complete an apprenticeship in all of them. There are however, two Certificate of Qualification (CoQ) paths in HVACR that, if you wish to work on the tools, are the minimum entry. Those are gasfitter and refrigeration and air conditioning technician/mechanic which in most provinces require an apprenticeship. In the case of gasfitter, Ontario is one of the exceptions where many post-secondary programs will equip you to write your entry level gas fitter certification without the need for an apprenticeship. It is important to note that obtaining a gasfitters license is a typical basic entry into the HVACR trade.
Step 2: Find an Employer / Sponsor
Having some experience and/or education in the trades such as pre-apprenticeship or co-op training will give you an advantage when seeking an employer willing to take you on as an apprentice. There is a considerable investment of time and resources on their part to carry you where you will have some knowledge and skills that will be of functional value to them. Ultimately you will need an employer to sponsor your apprenticeship before you can enter into an apprenticeship agreement with them and your province/territory as a registered apprentice.
Employer / Sponsor Functions
Typically, your employer also functions in the role of sponsor, however, in some provinces there are agencies separate from your employer who can act in the sponsor role. In whatever way the tasks are split, here are the functions that will take place.
Sponsor Functions
- Ensures quality paid on-the-job mentorship is received.
- Support your progression through the apprenticeship program, even if you switch employers during that time.
- Facilitates the formal apprenticeship provincial agreement.
- Tracking and reporting of on-the-job hours.
Employer Functions
- Hires and pays you for your work.
- Hands-on involvement in your day-to-day apprenticeship.
- Mentorship through a certified journeyperson (a ratio of journeyperson to apprentice of anywhere from 3:1 to 1:1 depending on the province/territory).
Step 3: Register Your Training Agreement
Getting hired is not enough! In order to begin applying your on-the-job hours to your apprenticeship requirements, you will need to register as an apprentice through an agreement that is arranged through your provincial/territorial apprenticeship authority. The required hours logged through on-the-job training can only be applied to your apprenticeship AFTER you are officially registered as an apprentice. Below are the links to each province/territory apprenticeship authority.
Step 4 (optional): Financial Aid
One of the compelling benefits of apprenticeship is that you are earning while you are learning. See the “Earning Potential” on the home page that compares apprenticeship to other college/university education streams. There is a distinctive difference in one’s potential financial health upon completion. But not everyone has a training institution near them and some travel and accomodation away from home for example may be needed. Whatever the circumstance, should you require financial aid, here are some options available through the Government of Canada.
Here also are financial support options available by province/territory.
Step 5: Earn While You Learn (on-the-job training) and In-class Training
An apprenticeship typically takes between two and five years depending on the certification level you wish to acquire. For example, some provinces offer a residential and commercial certification for gasfitters and refrigeration and air conditioning technicians/mechanics. During this time, you will alternate completion of your on-the-job and in-class training except for Quebec where you will complete in-class training first.
Step 6: Certificate of Qualification (C of Q)
As you progress through your in-class training, you will take and need to pass Level Exams. Once you complete all your in-class and on-the-job training, you will need to write and pass either a provincial or interprovincial exam that will result in the issue of a Certificate of Qualification or C of Q with Red Seal endorsement. The time after completion of your apprenticeship to take this final exam varies by province/territory. Note that in many provinces/territories, one will also need to apply for a gas license after a C of Q is received to work in that region.