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 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.
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 and Transport Refrigeration Technician Trade Regulation, 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 for apprentice transport refrigeration technicians in Alberta is three years (three 12 month periods) that include a minimum of 1,800 hours of on-the-job training and eight weeks of technical training in 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).
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 | $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 |
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* 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
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports 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.