72402

Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics

TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Trades, transport & equipment operators

7 › 72 › 724 › 7240

Definition

Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics install, maintain, repair and overhaul residential central air conditioning systems, commercial and industrial refrigeration and air conditioning systems and combined heating, ventilation and cooling systems. They are employed by heating, refrigeration and air conditioning installation contractors, various industrial settings, food wholesalers, engineering firms and retail and servicing establishments. Transport refrigeration mechanics are included in this unit group. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Read and interpret blueprints, drawings or other specifications
Measure and lay out reference points for installation
Assemble and install refrigeration or air conditioning components such as motors, controls, gauges, valves, circulating pumps, condensers, humidifiers, evaporators and compressors using hand and power tools
Measure and cut piping, and connect piping using welding and brazing equipment
Install, troubleshoot and overhaul entire heating, ventilation, air handling, refrigeration and air conditioning systems
Start up system and test for leaks using testing devices
Recharge system with refrigerant, check and test regulators, calibrate system and perform routine maintenance or servicing
Repair and replace parts and components for entire refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation or heat pump systems
May install, maintain and repair equipment in refrigerated trucks used to transport food or medical supplies
May prepare work estimates for clients.

Example job titles

•central air conditioning mechanic
•commercial air conditioning mechanic
•heating and cooling mechanic
•heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) mechanic
•refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic apprentice
•refrigeration mechanic
•transport refrigeration mechanic

Overview

Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics (NOC 72402) play a vital role in Canada's technical and construction sectors. Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, this occupation is classified under TEER 2. These skilled tradespersons are responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and refrigeration systems in residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial settings.

To qualify for Canadian immigration under NOC 72402, candidates must meet specific professional standards. Employment requirements typically include completion of secondary school, a three- to five-year apprenticeship program, or a combination of over five years of work experience in the trade along with high school or college courses. Trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia, while it is voluntary in other provinces and territories.

Because this occupation falls under TEER 2, eligible individuals can pursue Canadian permanent residency through several economic immigration pathways. These include the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) managed under the Express Entry system, as well as various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that target skilled trades to address regional labor market demands.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. For official and updated legal guidelines, please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.