What is an Ontario HVACR Apprentice?

 

Become an HVACR Apprentice in Ontario

Starting an HVACR apprenticeship in Ontario is the first step toward a rewarding, in-demand career. Through ORAC and UA Local 787, only the most qualified candidates are selected for the unionized 313A Commercial Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic apprenticeship and made available for hire by leading union contractors across the province.

Understanding Union vs. Non-Union Apprenticeships

Ontario offers both unionized and non-union apprenticeship pathways in the HVACR trade. While the core trade certification is the same, the entry requirements, training expectations, and employment structures can differ significantly.

Unionized Apprenticeships (ORAC & UA Local 787)

  • Governed through a formal joint training partnership (JTAC)

  • Higher standards for entry due to strong wages, comprehensive benefits, and long-term career stability

  • More competitive selection process (ORAC Apprentice Intake Program)

  • Employers commit to structured training, mentorship, and adherence to apprenticeship ratios

  • Access to industry-leading training, certifications, and safety standards

Non-Union Apprenticeships

  • Employers hire apprentices directly

  • Requirements and expectations vary from company to company, but meet the standards of Skilled Trades Ontario (STO)

  • No centralized intake process

ORAC’s Apprentice Intake Program is only for candidates seeking to join the unionized sector as 313A Commercial HVACR apprentices. The program exists to ensure a high-quality, job-ready workforce that meets the training standards of union employers and the expectations of UA Local 787.

Two Apprenticeship Streams in Ontario

313A – Commercial Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic

  • Approximately 5 years

  • 9,000 hours (8,040 hours on the tools + 960 hours in school)

  • Commercial, industrial, and institutional environments

  • Can be pursued in either union or non-union environments

  • To enter the unionized industry, you must complete the ORAC Apprentice Intake Program

  • Highly competitive due to excellent wages, benefits, training, and long-term union career pathways

  • Union First-Year Apprentice Rate (2025): $24.75 p/hour ($51,480 annually based on F/T work)

  • Union Journeyman Rate (2025): $62.40 p/hour ($129,792 annually based on F/T work)

313D – Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic

  • Approximately 3 years

  • 5,000 hours (4,020 hours on the tools + 480 hours in school)

  • Residential-focused

  • Does not go through the ORAC intake process

  • Can be pursued in either union or non-union environments

  • Union First-Year Apprentice Rate (2025): $17.83 p/hour ($37,086 annually based on F/T work)

  • Union Journeyman Rate (2025): $44.64 p/hour ($92,851 annually based on F/T work)

What You’ll Learn

In-School Training

HVACR apprentices complete three levels of theoretical training. Depending on availability at the chosen delivery agency, this training may be completed in one of the following ways:

  • Block Release (full-time, 8 weeks per level)

  • Day Release (one day per week, September–June)

  • Part-Time (evenings)

Training includes:

  • Workplace health & safety

  • Applied trade mathematics

  • Engineering drawings & documentation

  • Mechanical cooling cycle fundamentals

  • Electrical & electronic systems

  • Pipe joining, welding, brazing & soldering

  • System installation, start-up & commissioning

  • Air distribution & AC systems

  • Refrigerants, pressure enthalpy & psychrometrics

  • Rigging & hoisting

At the time of registration, the training consultant discusses the schooling options to arrange the most suitable option for the apprentice and the employer.

On-the-Job Training

Apprentices receive an Apprenticeship Training Standard outlining all skills required to become a certified journeyperson.
Employers sign off competencies as apprentices demonstrate proficiency, ensuring training meets industry standards.

What HVACR Technicians Do

  • Plan and lay out heating and cooling systems

  • Install and start up refrigeration and cooling equipment

  • Install refrigerant piping systems

  • Service, repair & replace HVACR components

  • Test, adjust & commission systems

HVACR technicians are highly skilled, technically trained, and in strong demand across Ontario.

Excellent Earning Potential

  • Apprentices an licensed Journeypeople make a competitve salary, plus health benefits, vacation pay, and pension

    • First-Year Apprentice: $50,000

    • Second-Year Apprentice: $65,000

    • Third-Year Apprentice: $80,000

    • Fourth-Year Apprentice: $95,000

    • Fifth-Year Apprentice: $110,000

    • Journeyperson: $129,000

​*rates based on full-time employment in Zone 1, vacation pay and pension contributions are additional to the wages noted above

  • Annual wage increases are tied to progression through each term and negotiated union rates that update each year on May 1.

These strong wages and benefits contribute to the competitive nature of the unionized intake process.

Ready to Apply to the Unionized 313A Program?

If you’re committed, hardworking, and looking to join the unionized commercial HVACR workforce, the ORAC Apprentice Intake Program is your pathway into this high-standard, high-reward career.

Click below to create your account and start your application when an intake period is open.

Intakes are open December 1 - February 28 and May 1 - June 30 annually.

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