This program is designed to prepare you for employment in the residential and commercial heating industry. Some of the duties include:
- Read blueprints and interpret drawings or specifications.
- Design heating system components and assemble components using hand and power tools.
- Install components such as thermostats, motors, piping and safety devices, and connect to fuel supply, ventilation and electrical systems.
- Test installed units and adjust controls for proper functioning, troubleshoot and repair malfunctioning oil burners, gas appliances, solid-fuel appliances, geo- thermal and air source heat pumps, and their controls.
- Troubleshoot and repair malfunctioning hydronic and forced air heating systems.
- Install and maintain alternate energy sources, combination and solar units.
- Perform scheduled maintenance on heating systems and their components.
OUTCOMES
- Use and maintain tools, materials and equipment required for the maintenance and installation of heating systems (oil, gas, electric, heat pumps and solid fuels).
- Test and adjust residential hydronic and forced air heating systems.
- Design and install residential hydronic and forced air heating systems.
- Interpret trade blueprints and electrical and system schematics.
- Recognize hazards and employ good safety practices.
- Demonstrate with confidence the knowledge and skills required for an entry level apprentice.
- Install, maintain, service and troubleshoot heating appliances (wood, oil, electric, geothermal and air source heat pumps, and gas).
- Recognize alternative energy application potential in the heating industry.
- Employ energy efficiency and promote green technologies.
- Pursue further skills and knowledge required to gain other trade related certifications.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for admission requires the applicant to meet one of the following criteria:
1. High School
High School Graduation
2. Adult Basic Education
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with General College Profile (or Business Related College Profile or Degree and Technical Profile). It is strongly recommended that courses include the following:
i. Mathematics 1102A, 1102B, 1102C and 2102A, 2102B, 2102C or 3102A, 3102B and 3102C
ii. Science 3101, 3102, 3103
3. Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Trades
Comprehensive Arts and Science (Trades) Certificate
Effective Academic Year 2025 - 2026:
Trades Bridging
Trades Bridging Certificate
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, must be at least 19 years of age at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.
International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into regular programs. The College will accept these recognized tests of English language proficiency (TOEFL paper based 550, TOEFL Internet based 79, TOEFL computer based 213 or equivalent, IELTS Academic Test overall band score of 6.0, or Pearson PTE 53 or greater, etc.).
If a language proficiency test other than those referenced above was used, applicants can forward for assessment.
If an international applicant has attended an educational institution (high school or post-secondary) for a period of three years or more where the official language of instruction was English, the English language proficiency test will not be required.
Note: Some programs may require specific English language requirements and proficiency scores that differ from those stated above; therefore international applicants are advised to please refer to the specific program admission requirements as identified in the College Calendar.