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Programs

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technician

HVTNSchool of Skilled Trades

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Key Details

Program Start Dates

January 2025

September 2025

January 2026

Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.

Program Delivery

Campus / Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Program Duration

4 Semesters / 2 Years

Program Contacts

Julien Lavictoire

Program Coordinator / Professor

Send email
705-566-8101 ext.6349
International Admissions
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Program Overview

A student wearing safety glasses works with pipes in an industrial setting.

Learn to maintain the quality of indoor spaces  

Prepare to challenge the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) Gas Technician and Oil Burner Technician certifications with Cambrian’s TSSA-accredited program. Gain hands-on training in state-of-the-art HVAC labs to master the maintenance of indoor air quality. You’ll get a solid understanding of natural gas, propane, and fuel oil heating systems, as well as air conditioning and refrigeration principles. You’ll be introduced to the skills required for the installation, service, and troubleshooting of residential and light commercial heating and cooling applications. 
 
After your first year and upon successfully challenging the TSSA Level Three Gas Technician and Oil Burner Technician exams, you’ll be certified to work at entry-level positions. Upon completion of your second year and writing the TSSA Level Two Gas Technician and Oil Burner Technician exams, you’ll be fully certified to enter the workforce as a heating systems technician. 

Program Highlights

Program highlights

  • Capped enrolment 
  • Accredited by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) 
  • Hands-on training in state-of-the-art HVAC labs 
  • One of only two colleges in Ontario to offer Oil Burner Technician Training 
  • Opportunity for select students to participate in the Ontario Skills Competition 

Admissions

Admission requirements

For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:

  • Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
  • Any grade 11 mathematics (C), (U), or (M)

International Student Admissions

Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.

Learn more
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Academic Upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!

Program delivery

Program delivery

2024-2025

Winter term start

  • Semester 1: Winter 2025
  • Semester 2: Spring 2025
  • Semester 3: Fall 2025
  • Semester 4: Winter 2026

2025-2026

Fall term start

  • Semester 1: Fall 2025
  • Semester 2: Winter 2026
  • Semester 3: Fall 2026
  • Semester 4: Winter 2027

Winter term start

  • Semester 1: Winter 2026
  • Semester 2: Spring 2026
  • Semester 3: Fall 2026
  • Semester 4: Winter 2027

Program of Study

Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year 

Students are required to successfully complete an online Lab Safety course (in Moodle) when starting their program at Cambrian.  This course must be completed prior to entering the labs (as identified in the table below) in the Schools of Skills Training, Engineering Technology and Environmental Studies.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
MTH 1010Trade Math I3
ENG 1002College Communications3
HVA 1000Trades Practices 15
ELC 1020Electrical Fundamentals & Inst 16
RAC 1000Refrigeration I2
GAF 1000Gas Technician (G3)5
 Credits24
Semester 2
One General Education course. 23
RAC 1220Refrigeration II2
HVA 1200Appliance Installations 15
HVA 1210Maintenance Setup 14
OBU 1220Oil Burner Tech III OBT34
GAF 1220Gas/Pipe Fitter3
 Credits21
Semester 3
ENG 1780Applied Communication II2
HVA 2300HVAC Control Labs 14
HVA 2301Space Heating and Conversions3
HVA 2302Advanced HVAC Controls4
HVA 2303HVAC Appliance Labs 14
HVA 2304HVAC Appliances3
One General Education course. 23
 Credits23
Semester 4
HVA 2400HVAC Heating Systems Lab 14
HVA 2401HVAC Heating Lab 14
HVA 2402Forced Air Systems4
HVA 2403Hydronics and Water Heaters3
HVA 2404Air Conditioning Heat Pumps3
One General Education course. 23
 Credits21
 Total Credits89
1

Course with Lab Component

2

For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Fees

Tuition Cost

Canadian Students

$4,031.29Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

International Students

$18,126.67Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

Important Notice

Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.

Tuition and ancillary fees

Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.

Books and supplies

Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.

College may be more affordable than you think!

Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!

Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!

Work-integrated learning (WIL)

Take your education beyond the classroom!

Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.

Field of Study

School of Skilled Trades

Cambrian was originally founded as a trade school, a field where we excel. We collaborate with industry partners to give qualified learners the opportunity to start working upon graduation by teaching in-demand skills. From the longest-running powerline program in the province to our motive power technician programs and much more, Cambrian provides the tools for satisfying careers in skilled trades.

Learn more

Specific program pathways

College or university degree opportunities  

If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information. 

Career Outcomes

Employment opportunities

Graduates who have met TSSA certification requirements may find employment as natural gas, propane, and oil burner technicians. They may also pursue journeyperson apprenticeship within the refrigeration, air conditioning, plumbing, or sheet metal fabrication industries. Graduates are also prepared for employment opportunities as sales or maintenance personnel in commercial, institutional, and industrial areas.

media1A radiology student Julia working with equipment.

Need a career coach?

Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!

See where you'll be learning!

Minimum technology requirements

Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.

Bring your own device (BYOD)

Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!

A student in a white shirt smiles while holding a children's book titled "What's My Superpower?" in a room with books and an orange chair.

Ready to take the first step?

Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!

Have Questions?
We are here to help.

If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!

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