Air Conditioned Transport Mechanic, Mechanic, Service Technician
Interest in precision working to measure and cut piping and to measure and lay out reference points for installation
Interest in recharging systems with refrigerant, checking and testing regulators and calibrating systems; and in performing routine maintenance and servicing
Interest in analyzing information to repair and replace parts and components for entire refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation and heat-pump systems; and in installing, troubleshooting and overhauling entire heating, ventilation, air handling, refrigeration and air conditioning systems
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
In general, transport refrigeration technicians:
Transport refrigeration technicians normally work 40 hours a week on a year round basis but may be required to work overtime for emergency repairs. They sometimes work in cold, cramped conditions and may be required to lift and move items that weigh over 25 kilograms.
There is some risk of injury involved in working with electricity, high pressure gases, hazardous gases, and chemicals.
Transport refrigeration technicians need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy solving problems and working with little supervision.
To work in Alberta, a transport refrigeration technician must be ONE of the following:
To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must:
The term of apprenticeship is 3 years (three 14 month periods) that include a minimum of 1,800 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of technical training in each period. High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).
Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for credit or certification.
Technical training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is currently offered at :
For more information, visit the Technical Training Centre on the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
This is an Apprenticeship trade. For full details, see the related certification profile
Below-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.
Transport refrigeration technicians are employed by:
Experienced transport refrigeration technicians may advance to supervisory positions. Alberta certified journeyperson transport refrigeration technicians who have the supervisory or management skills required by industry may apply for an Achievement in Business Competencies Blue Seal by contacting Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Transport refrigeration mechanics are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 7313: Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics. In Alberta, 79% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Over 3,300 Albertans are employed in the Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0.6% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 20 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As transport refrigeration technicians form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for transport refrigeration technicians.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Journeyperson wage rates vary but generally range start at $30 an hour plus benefits (2014 estimates). Apprentice transport refrigeration technicians earn at least 60% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first period, 75% in the second and 90% in the third.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $18.00 | $46.00 | $29.52 | $30.00 |
| Overall | $30.00 | $47.00 | $38.21 | $37.34 |
| Top | $34.00 | $49.00 | $42.98 | $44.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.albeta.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Mar 31, 2015. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.