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The jobs of heating, refrigeration and air conditioning technicians are extremely important. These professionals are the ones who help to keep us cool during those long summer nights and ensure that we are comfortable when that thermometer hits below freezing temperatures. As such, they have a wide range of responsibilities such as making, installing, repairing and servicing residential, commercial and industrial cooling and heating systems. To break it down even further, these heating, refrigeration and air conditioning technicians work in building maintenance or specialize in repairing small, portable refrigeration and freezing units. Although the areas in which heating, refrigeration and air conditioning technicians work differ, they must all know how to: measure, cut and connect piping using welding and brazing equipment; recharge systems with refrigerant gases as required; connect rooftop units to gas, test and balance systems and connect electrical systems; adjust computerized controls; use computer software to calculate loads, and work on large machines. The type of training needed to enter the field is offered through Centennial College and its Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician undertaking, which takes two years to complete. With the world becoming very technology focused and great strides being made in heating, refrigeration and air conditioning technology, the program prides itself on offering the most up-to-date knowledge and techniques. To apply for the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician offering, students are required to have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older). In addition, they must have completed English 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent; and Math 11M or U, or 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent. Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning courses focus on teaching students how to: maintain, size and select equipment for air conditioning and refrigeration application; the development of refrigerants; development of equipment to meet the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) standards; efficiency standards for heating equipment; installation and service techniques; among others. As such, training is very specific and results in much hands-on practice. This practical aspect is possible as the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning courses are facilitated from Progress Campus, where hospitality programs run a conference centre, restaurant and more. Such facilities offer ample opportunity for students to develop skills through hands-on practice. Additionally, a Capstone Project rounds out in-class training. This final project encompasses elements of everything the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning technician students have learned throughout their time in the program. A faculty member supervises this project. Upon graduation from Centennial College's Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Courses, students may obtain employment as heating technicians or through affiliated trade apprenticeships in plumbing, pipefitting, electrical, sheet metal or refrigeration. Apprenticeship is required after graduation, for those who wish to become tradespersons.
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