Good news! HVAC technicians are in high demand in Ontario, Canada. For this reason, Ideal Heating & Air Conditioning has prepared this guide on how to become an HVAC technician. Below you’ll see a breakdown of the steps involved in becoming an HVAC technician as well as the costs and timeline you can expect.
- Finish Your Basic Required Education
- Enroll in an HVAC Program
- Complete an Apprenticeship
- Obtain Key Certifications and Licenses
- Continue Professional Development & Renew Licenses
- Summary of Costs and Timeframe
Those considering a career in this field expect to see steady job prospects and good salary potential. Contact Ideal to learn more about industry trends, current job opportunities, and / or apprenticeship programs.
Learn How To Become an HVAC Technician
Learn how to become an HVAC technician and seize the abudant opportunities in this trending industry!
HVAC technicians are in high demand in Ontario, Canada, due to a combination of factors, including climate-control needs, a growing construction sector, and a focus on eco-friendly systems. Ontario’s job outlook rates HVAC technician positions at three to four out of five stars, signalling steady and high employment opportunities across the province. There is a projected need for approximately 2,000 new HVAC technicians between 2023 and 2027, with the GTA expected to have especially strong demand as construction rebounds in 2024. (Sources: Blog | Herzing College; Construction Ontario)
The push toward energy efficiency also contributes to this demand. With increased installations of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly HVAC systems, such as ductless or automated systems, technicians skilled in these modern systems are well-positioned to benefit from job growth. Moreover, HVAC expertise is valuable in sectors focusing on air quality improvements, a priority after the pandemic, which boosted demand for air-quality-related installations. (Source: Construction Ontario)
If you weren’t convinced yet, all this potential makes HVAC a promising path in Ontario’s skilled trades sector. But becoming an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technician in Ontario requires specific training, certification, and hands-on experience. Here’s an outline of the steps involved:
1. Finish Your Basic Required Education
If you are a young person planning to be an HVAC technician, finishing high school is the first step!
(Image Source: Denniz Futalan)
Ok, so we know this is likely obvious, but you do need to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent (such as a GED). Subjects like math, physics, and mechanical courses are beneficial for a future HVAC career. If you are a young student thinking of dropping out early, don’t do it! Finishing high school is the first step in obtaining a job.
2. Enroll in an HVAC Program
Watch the video above to get an introduction to the skilled trades at Conestoga College.
Once you finish high school or obtain high school equivalency, you’ll be eligible to complete an HVAC-related program from a recognized trade school or community college in Ontario.
Programs vary but usually take 1-2 years and cover essential topics, including thermodynamics, refrigerant handling, system design, and electrical circuits. Some well-known institutions in Ontario offering HVAC programs include:
- George Brown College
- Humber College
- Conestoga College
Here’s a brief outline of the programs. Click on the provided links to learn more. Even if you’re still in high school, starting your research now will help you prepare and plan for school and narrow down your career aspirations and goals.
George Brown College
George Brown offers 2 programs:
- 2- year Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Technician Diploma
- 3-year Advanced Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Technology Diploma
The technician program is geared toward hands-on skills for residential and light commercial systems, covering installation, maintenance, and environmental system operation over two years. It is especially appealing because it is eligible for a $40,000 scholarship!
The technology program, spanning three years, includes advanced training on commercial systems and energy-efficient design, with eligibility to pursue the Gas Fitter 2 certification upon completion.
Humber College
Humber also offers 2 programs:
- 2-Year Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician Diploma
- 3-Year Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Technology Diploma
The technician program is rogram provides students with hands-on experience in HVAC systems, focusing on both residential and light commercial equipment. The curriculum covers refrigeration, heating systems, air conditioning, and hydronics (water heating) as well as electrical systems and HVAC controls. The program includes both classroom learning and practical lab work, enabling students to diagnose and repair HVAC systems.
The three-year technology program combines practical skills with theoretical knowledge. It provides extensive training on heating and cooling systems, including air conditioning, ventilation, and refrigeration, preparing graduates to work with both residential and commercial systems. The program emphasizes green building practices and energy efficiency and includes training to pursue Gas Technician and Ozone Depletion Prevention certifications. Humber’s program includes co-op opportunities, enhancing job readiness by giving students industry experience.
Conestoga College
Like the other colleges, Conestoga also offers a Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Technician diploma program with a strong focus on technical skills for working on heating, ventilation, and refrigeration systems. This highly competitive program includes practical labs and covers all the essentials for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting HVAC systems. Conestoga is known for its emphasis on preparing students for industry certifications like Gas Technician levels 2 and 3, and its program also includes safety training and other key industry knowledge.
These programs provide a robust foundation for an HVAC career in Ontario, and all are well-regarded by industry professionals, with some offering co-op and certification preparation options. Graduates typically find opportunities in building maintenance, system design, and residential and commercial HVAC installation and service.
3. Complete an Apprenticeship
In our guide on how to become an HVAC technician, we strongly encourage apprenticeships.
(Image Source José Andrés Pacheco Cortes)
While completing an apprenticeship is not an absolute requirement to become an HVAC technician in Ontario, it is highly recommended and often necessary for full certification and employment in the field. Here’s a brief outline of why:
Hands-On Experience and Training
HVAC apprenticeships provide extensive on-the-job training, allowing apprentices to work alongside licensed professionals. This experience is invaluable for gaining practical skills in real-world settings, such as system installation, troubleshooting, and repair.
Apprenticeship training also helps students apply what they’ve learned in school to complex, unpredictable situations, which builds confidence and competency.
Certification Requirements
In Ontario, becoming a fully certified HVAC technician generally requires a Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) and the Red Seal endorsement, which makes you eligible to work across Canada. Completing an apprenticeship program is the usual route to qualify for this exam.
An apprenticeship helps HVAC techs work towards other necessary certifications, such as the Gas Technician levels (G1, G2, G3) and the Ozone Depletion Prevention (ODP) certification, both of which are key for a career in HVAC.
Job Opportunities and Higher Earnings
Employers often prefer to hire technicians who have completed apprenticeships because it demonstrates they’ve met the industry standards for knowledge, skill, and reliability.
Apprenticeship-trained technicians typically earn higher wages than those without the credential because they are certified to work independently and can handle more advanced tasks.
Networking and Industry Connections
Working within the industry during an apprenticeship builds a network of professional contacts, which can lead to job offers, mentorship, and industry connections that support career growth.
Although some HVAC technicians start with only classroom training, completing an apprenticeship provides the practical experience and certifications that are crucial for a successful, well-rounded HVAC career in Ontario.
How to Apply
Apply for an apprenticeship through Ontario’s Apprenticeship Program, which combines on-the-job training and in-class learning. HVAC apprenticeships generally require 8,280 hours of combined work and training over approximately 4-5 years. You can learn more from Skilled Trades Ontario.
4. Obtain Key Certifications and Licenses
To be a fully certified HVAC technician you’ll need your C of Q and Red Seal. (Image Source: Daniel)
In Ontario, becoming a fully certified HVAC technician generally requires a Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) and the Red Seal endorsement, which makes you eligible to work across Canada. Completing an apprenticeship program is the usual route to qualify for this exam.
An apprenticeship helps HVAC techs work towards other necessary certifications, such as the Gas Technician levels (G1, G2, G3) and the Ozone Depletion Prevention (ODP) certification, both of which are key for a career in HVAC.
5. Continue Professional Development & Renew Licenses
Keep your professional edge with continuing education. (Image Source: Tima Miroshnichenko)
HVAC is a field that constantly evolves with technology. Continuing education can improve your skills and open up opportunities for career advancement. It is essential to renew licenses and stay updated on industry standards and regulations as required.
6. Summary of Costs and Timeframe
Listen to other people’s stories about what led them to become an HVAC technician.
Finally, we’ll summarize the typical timeframe and costs involved in becoming an HVAC technician. Keep in mind that the length of studies and costs vary.
Timeframe
Typically, it takes around 4-5 years to become fully licensed due to the length of the apprenticeship.
Costs
Tuition for HVAC programs varies, typically ranging from CAD 4,000 to CAD 15,000. Additional costs may apply for certification exams and apprenticeships. Remember to research scholarships and grants for the skilled trades!
Continue your research on how to become an HVAC technician by browsing our site or contacting us. We’ve been in the business for years and would be happy to share our expertise!