Job description Apprentice Mechanic, Refrigeration in Alberta
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Find out what work is like for an apprentice mechanic, refrigeration in Canada. This work description is applicable to all Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics (NOC 72402).

Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics

Description

Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics install, maintain, repair and overhaul residential central air conditioning systems, commercial and industrial refrigeration and air conditioning systems and combined heating, ventilation and cooling systems. They are employed by heating, refrigeration and air conditioning installation contractors, various industrial settings, food wholesalers, engineering firms and retail and servicing establishments. Transport refrigeration mechanics are included in this unit group. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

Work week duration

Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics usually work between 35 to 40 hours per week.
Between 35 to 40 hours

Job duties

Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:

  • Read and interpret blueprints, drawings or other specifications
  • Measure and lay out reference points for installation
  • Assemble and install refrigeration or air conditioning components such as motors, controls, gauges, valves, circulating pumps, condensers, humidifiers, evaporators and compressors using hand and power tools
  • Measure and cut piping, and connect piping using welding and brazing equipment
  • Install, troubleshoot and overhaul entire heating, ventilation, air handling, refrigeration and air conditioning systems
  • Start up system and test for leaks using testing devices
  • Recharge system with refrigerant, check and test regulators, calibrate system and perform routine maintenance or servicing
  • Repair and replace parts and components for entire refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation or heat pump systems
  • May install, maintain and repair equipment in refrigerated trucks used to transport food or medical supplies
  • May prepare work estimates for clients.

Physical demands Help - Physical Demands

  • Handling material manually
  • Bending or twisting the body
  • Standing
  • Making repetitive motions

Physical demands

Physical demands are the physical activities that the job requires the worker to do. Physical demands are selected according to the likeliness that workers will have to perform them for at least half of the time they spend at work.

Workplaces and employers

Here are the typical workplaces where Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics are employed and some of their main characteristics:

  • Retail and servicing establishments
  • Industrial establishments
  • Food wholesalers
  • Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning installation contractors
  • Engineering firms

Work environment Help - Physical Work Environment

  • Standard safety equipment
  • Outside, exposed to weather
  • High places
  • Dangerous chemical substances
  • Extreme temperatures
  • Hazardous conditions
  • Hazardous equipment, machinery, tools
  • Indoors, not environmentally controlled
  • In an enclosed vehicle or equipment
  • Extremely bright or inadequate lighting

Physical proximity from others Help - Physical proximity from others

  • Somewhat close (e.g. share office)

Work environment

The work environment refers to the physical setting in which people work. The characteristics and conditions of the work environment are selected according to the likeliness that workers will be exposed to them at least once a week.

Physical proximity from others

Physical proximity from others refers to the physical distance between individuals in the workplace. The likeliness that the job requires to perform tasks while being physically close to other people is rated on a scale with 3 levels: "Somewhat close", "Close" and "Very close".

Related job titles

Here are some other related job titles that are found in the same occupational category (NOC 72402), and a list of similar occupations:

  • central air conditioning mechanic
  • commercial air conditioning mechanic
  • heating and cooling mechanic
  • heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) mechanic
  • refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic apprentice
  • refrigeration mechanic
  • transport refrigeration mechanic

Similar occupations Help - Similar occupations

Similar occupations

This section lists other occupations that are part of the same broad occupational category as Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). These occupations involve similar core qualifications but involve different responsibilities. To see more similar occupations, use the Job Transition Tool.

Sources Occupational and Skills Information System & National Occupational Classification

Labour Market Information Survey
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