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Air Conditioned Transport Mechanic, Mechanic, Service Technician
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $26.03 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $36.18 |
| Top | $43.01 |
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:
They should enjoy solving problems and working with little supervision.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 27 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 17, 2020 and Feb 23, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 26 |
|---|---|
| Personal Suitability: Punctuality | 25 |
| Handle, recover and store refrigerants | 24 |
| Start up system and test for leaks using testing devices | 24 |
| Recharge system with refrigerant, check and test regulators, calibrate system and perform routine maintenance or servicing | 24 |
| Personal Suitability: Flexibility | 24 |
| Assemble and install refrigeration or air conditioning components | 23 |
| Install, troubleshoot, repair and overhaul entire heating, ventilation, air handling, refrigeration and air conditioning systems | 23 |
| Personal Suitability: Dependability | 23 |
| Personal Suitability: Reliability | 23 |
To work in Alberta, a transport refrigeration technician must be ONE of the following:
To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:
Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates.
The term of apprenticeship is 3 years (three 12-month periods) that include a minimum of 1,560 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 admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.
Technical training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Transport refrigeration technicians install, repair and maintain equipment that supplies and contains conditioned air in mobile units used to transport perishable goods such as food and medical supplies. For more information, see the Trades and Occupations section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
Under Alberta’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act [pdf] and Transport Refrigeration Technician Trade Regulation [pdf], you do not have to be certified if you are self-employed or work for an employer who is satisfied that you have the skills and knowledge expected of a journeyperson certified by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. To learn the trade, you must become a registered apprentice.
The term of apprenticeship in Alberta is 3 years (12-month periods) that include a minimum of 1,560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of technical training each year.
Apprentices must find suitable employers who are willing to hire and train apprentices, and successfully complete technical training examinations.
Transport refrigeration technicians trained in other provinces and territories can work in Alberta if they hold a certificate or license recognized by the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board or have the skills and knowledge expected of a journeyperson certified in Alberta. For more information, see the Recognized Trade Certificates page of the Tradesecrets website.
Any of the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Client Service Offices located throughout Alberta. For a list of office locations and telephone numbers, click on “Contact Us” on the home page of the Tradesecrets website (tradesecrets.alberta.ca).
Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Transport refrigeration technicians are employed by:
Experienced transport refrigeration technicians may advance to supervisory positions.
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 [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the H413: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0.6% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 20 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Journeyperson transport refrigeration technicians wage rates vary but generally range start at $30 an hour plus benefits (2019 estimates). Apprentices 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 | $16.00 | $49.00 | $26.03 | $19.00 |
| Overall | $30.00 | $49.00 | $36.18 | $33.80 |
| Top | $32.00 | $55.00 | $43.01 | $41.68 |
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.
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $89,219 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $78,444 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $75,293 |
| Construction | $73,312 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.albeta.ca
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Updated Mar 31, 2020. 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.