The HVAC industry is a growing industry in Ontario. It’s always in need of employees who are willing to work hard and provide the best services and quality, but Ontario is currently facing a lack of qualified workers to fill open HVAC positions across the province[1].
Are you interested in a career in the HVAC field? You may be wondering how long it takes to get your HVAC certification. Here we’ll take a closer look at the process and what you need to know to become HVAC certified.
HVAC Regulations
In Ontario, HVAC technicians are expected to hold a certain certification that licenses them to perform HVAC work. This certification demonstrates that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform HVAC duties professionally, properly and safely.
It’s important to note that HVAC requirements vary by province and that regulations may not be the same if you are planning to work somewhere else, so it’s best to check the specifics for the area you intend to work in first before you apply.
How Long Does It Take to Get Your HVAC Certification?
Achieving an HVAC certification typically takes place in two parts: a course-based training segment and an apprenticeship.
The course-based portion requires 1200 hours of in class training where students will learn about HVAC safety procedures, ozone depletion training, the fundamentals of HVAC systems for residential and commercial purposes, piping and venting, and gas 3 training. Following course-based training, an apprenticeship must be completed under a certified HVAC technician.
The apprenticeship portion of the HVAC training program, allows on the job experience alongside a certified HVAC technician. The apprenticeship prepares aspiring HVAC technicians with the opportunity to gain hands on experience that will serve them well when they are done with their training. Typically speaking, apprenticeships are paid a wage while completing their training. In Ontario, the residential apprenticeship program takes two years and the commercial program takes five years[2].
Overall, the median salary for an HVAC technician is around $48,000 – $50,000 and increases are dependent on experience. A majority of the current HVAC workforce has between one to four years of experience, opening up a variety of opportunities for career growth over time[3].
HVAC Day on June 22nd
National HVAC Tech Day is June 22nd! If you’re an HVAC technician, take some time to celebrate all that you do. If you know someone in the HVAC industry, make sure to reach out and thank them for their hard work.
Interested in learning more about HVAC technicians and systems? Contact one of our locations today for more information.
[1] Pre-Apprentice Training Institute. A Beginner’s Guide to HVAC Training and Career Paths in Ontario. Available online: https://patinstitute.ca/a-beginners-guide-to-hvac-training-career-paths-in-ontario/
[2] Ontario HAVCR First Year Apprenticeship Intake Program. What is an Ontario HVACR Apprentice? Available online: https://apprenticehvacr.ca/what-is-an-ontario-hvacr-apprentice/
[3] PayScale: Average HVAC Technician Hourly Pay. Available online: https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=HVAC_Technician/Hourly_Rate
