Three Routes Start
Apprenticeship

HVAC / refrigeration mechanic

Alberta Journeyman Certificate, Refrigeration and A/C Mechanic + Red Seal

21 of 30 verified for Alberta; "start something" routes use national figures · How we verify
Trades are 3 to 4 periods at NAIT or SAIT; RAP lets high-school students start. Numbers from ALIS (Alberta wage survey and outlook), NAIT, SAIT and the University of Alberta.
Years to credential4
First real paycheque~a month
Time in a classroom15%
Total cost$6,157
Typical debt after$2,757
Demand in AlbertaHigh

The first ten years

earnearnearnearnearnearnearnearnearnearn
Mostly in schoolEarning

Earnings by year, roughly

What's in "net by year 10"
Earnings, years 1 to 10$801k$44,700 rising to $89,400 by year five, flat after
Program cost−$6ktuition and fees
Typical (medians)$795kthe number on the card
Low to high$674k to $915kpay 15% under or over the median, cost 15% more or 10% less

Not counted: income tax, rent, food, loan interest, inflation, and unemployment gaps. They apply to every route, so they change the size of each number more than the order. Pay is the Alberta median before tax from the sources on this page.

The picture

What the day-to-day isInstalling and servicing heating, cooling and refrigeration systems. Increasingly technical as heat pumps and controls become standard.
What actually stops peopleSponsoring employer.
The downsideAttics in July and rooftops in January. Demand is high partly because the work is uncomfortable.
If you're the parentOne of the fastest-growing trades because of electrification. Your child would earn while training and finish debt-free.
Local opportunities in Alberta

Ready to explore this for real?

Eight quick questions about whether this route fits your life, not just your grades. You'll get a readiness check, and if you want, we'll introduce you to employers, unions or programs in your region.

Check my readiness

How to enter

What you need
  • No specific courses or average; Grade 12 (or equivalent) and a willingness to show up
Deadlines in Alberta
  • No deadline: find an employer, register with Alberta Apprenticeship
  • Grade 10 to 12: RAP (Registered Apprenticeship Program) lets you start in school

Next steps in Alberta

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3

Save or share this pathway

Email it to yourself or someone who should see it.

In Alberta4 periods x 8 weeks at SAIT.
alis.alberta.ca · sait.ca

✓ Verified 2026-10-09 for Alberta Sources: ALIS Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic profile (forecast Hot); SAIT apprenticeship tuition 2025/26

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