Career change

[HVACvet]

Good day,
I'm looking for some direction or insight and am hoping you could point me in the right direction.
I am looking to pursue a career as a Refrigeration  and air conditioning mechanic. (Is that the same as 313?)
 I would like to complete an apprenticeship and attain a RED SEAL. I currently work for the Canadian military as an Aircraft mechanic. I have a bit of an education in electrical and mechanical systems, as part of my job is maintaining the air conditioning systems of the aircraft. I have a good understanding of tools as well as have mechanical apptitude. I also spent my pre military years working construction. I have a full G lisence with a clean drivers abstract. I have first aid, I have WHMIS as well as working from heights. Ive worked 18 hour days back to back while deployed in the middle east. Ive worked in minus -40 as well as plus 60. I also have my grade 12 diploma. I will be moving back to SW Ontario in june.
Where should I begin? School? If so what program? Apprenticeship? What companies are apprenticing?


Thanks

[Admin]

To get Red Seal you would have to get the 313A which is the refrigeration certificate.  A much easier first step would be getting the 313D air conditioning certificate, which does not have Red Seal.

You could also sign up as an apprentice and skip any schooling and challenge the exam.

Start with Skilled Trades Ontario and their Trade Equivalency Assessment.

https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca/experienced-workers/trade-equivalency-assessment/

Good Luck!

[rmuntz]

Unless the procedure has changed, in order to challenge the exam you need to have a letter from an employer stating you have the required number of hours worked. You cannot be an apprentice.

I had an apprentice, a number of years ago, had his hours but hadn't been to level 3. He did the challenge but they made him cancel his apprenticeship before he could write.

I usually don't recommend doing the 313D unless you plan to stick with resi, just my opinion though.

[Admin]

Yes, I did the same thing with the 308R.  You become an apprentice so you can legally work right away.  You're right, they cancel the apprenticeship when you challenge the exam.

Because the OP is former military there are other provisions in place that may allow him to challenge.

https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca/experienced-workers/canadian-forces/

[viking]

You could also look into applying at the union. Good training and 313a apprenticeship.

https://www.ualocal787.org/


Admin: if this is not permitted, please delete