Refrigerationists

Job description

These individuals install, maintain, and repair refrigeration and air conditioning systems (liquid coolers, cold rooms, humidifiers, etc.). They are employed by refrigeration and air conditioning installation contractors in industrial and commercial settings.

Environment

  • Controlled ambient temperature
  • Equipment, machinery, tools
  • Hazardous chemical
  • Uncontrolled ambient temperature
  • Hazardous workplaces
  • Fire, steam, hot surfaces
  • Electricity

Main tasks

  • Check the operation of refrigeration systems.
  • Carry out basic mechanical and electrical maintenance.
  • Install heat pumps and air conditioning systems using different techniques (oxygen cutting, welding, and brazing).
  • Check the operation of circuits and control devices.
  • Interpret plans and technical drawings.
  • Solve numerical control problems.

Training and requirements

Formation

Most training programs are offered in French only.

Secondary

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Also required

  • Certificate of qualification.

Sometimes required

  • A Class 5 driver’s licence is often required.

Main skills and characteristics

Skills

  • Data collection
  • Quality control analysis
  • Troubleshooting
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Installation
  • Information processing
  • Repair
  • Monitoring operations
  • Active listening
  • Reading comprehension
  • Operations and control
  • Critical thought
  • Active learning
  • Oral expression
  • Time management
  • Equipment selection
  • System analysis
  • Coordination
  • Result evaluation
  • Judgment and decision-making
  • Solving complex problems

Abilities

  • Awareness of issues
  • Digital dexterity
  • Near vision
  • Visualization
  • Manual dexterity
  • Deductive reasoning
  • Inductive reasoning
  • Physical flexibility in extension
  • Hand-arm stability
  • Oral comprehension
  • Limb coordination
  • Core strength
  • Information organization
  • Perception speed
  • Speech recognition
  • Selective attention
  • Written comprehension
  • Verbal skills
  • Colour perception and distinction
  • Control accuracy
  • Information processing speed
  • Speech clarity
  • Classification
  • Written expression
  • Static muscle power
  • Processing flexibility
  • Distance vision

Knowledge and attributes

  • Critical thinking
  • Autonomy
  • Capacity to work in a team
  • Knowledge of mathematics
  • Rigour
  • Attention to detail
  • Knowledge of computer science, digital and electronics
  • Tolerance to stress
  • Sense of observation
  • Knowledge of mechanics

Interests

  • Make, build, install
  • Self-employment
  • Work manually
  • Conduct tests and trials, control processes

Personality profiles (RIASEC)

Realistic
People with this profile prefer carrying out concrete tasks and being physically involved in what they do.
Investigative
People with this profile prefer relying on theoretical knowledge before acting. They like observation, analysis and problem solving.
Enterprising
People with this profile prefer having responsibilities, influencing others and responding to challenges.

Appellation d’emploi liée (à traduire)

Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics  (CNP 72402)

Skill type

Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations

Last update: January 29, 2026

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