Edmonton, Alta — Alberta announces changes to one of its apprenticeship program offerings. Effective Aug. 4, the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic (RACM) Apprenticeship Education Program (AEP) will now offer a combined program with gasfitter class B.
Apprentices will now receive a second gasfitter class B certificate upon completion of a RACM apprenticeship.
There are no changes to training periods for current apprentices. Additionally, a bridging course will be available to all current apprentices to provide instruction on any missed Gasfitter content in periods they’ve already completed.
After completing their RACM apprenticeship program, apprentices will be eligible to take the Red Seal exam for either or both trades.
Candidates currently participating in the trades qualifier work experience program will still be required to complete 72 months and 9,360 hours of verifiable RACM experience. All trades qualifier candidates will receive only an RACM journeyperson certificate after completing their requirements.
Apprentices who wish to apply for gasfitter class B certification after being certified in RACM must have their work experience supervised by a certified gasfitter class A or B journeyperson, and the supervising journeyperson details must be included on the employee declaration letter.
Previously RACM-certified journeypersons seeking a gasfitter class B certificate can either enroll in the gasfitter class B AEP or the gasfitter class B trades qualifier program.