Alberta · designated trade
Transport Refrigeration Technician
3-Period Apprenticeship ProgramOptional Certification
Transport Refrigeration Technician is a designated trade in Alberta. The Tradesecrets page lists a 3-Period Apprenticeship Program. Certification on that page is recorded as Optional Certification.
These facts were checked for Alberta on 4 October 2026. They do not by themselves apply in another province or territory. Tradesecrets and the Government of Alberta do not endorse TradesAtlas.
Transport refrigeration technicians install, repair and maintain equipment that supplies and contains conditioned air in mobile units used to transport perishable goods such as food and medical supplies.
- Source
- Tradesecrets profile
- Last checked
- 4 October 2026
Apprenticeship Education Program
Credential
- Diploma
Certification
- Journeyperson Certificate
Program Requirements
- 3 periods (levels)
- All periods:
- 1560 hours work experience per period
- 8 weeks classroom instruction per period
- Theory exam required
- Each period designed to take ~1 year
- Up to 18 months allowed between each requirement
Classroom Instruction
- 8 weeks in all periods
- Classroom instruction for period 2 in this apprenticeship program is currently suspended.
- Apprentices can register for 1st and 3rd periods due to common training with Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic.
- To complete period 2 of this apprenticeship program, you may challenge an exam.
- Offered at NAIT and SAIT
- Entrance requirements:
- English 20-2, Math 20-3, and Science 10
- or GED/CAEC
- or Entrance Exam
On-the-Job Instruction
- 1560 hours in all periods
- Sponsorship agreement required to earn hours.
- Must be completed with a qualified mentor.
- Demonstrate competence in activities outlined in the record book to receive credit.
Exams
- Theory exam required to complete each period
High School Credit
- Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
- Career and Technology Studies (CTS)
Related Trade Certificates
Trades Qualifier Program
Work Experience Program
- Complete 54 months and 7020 hours of verifiable Transport Refrigeration Technician work experience.
- Pass a theory exam.
- Provide an Employer Declaration Letter (EDL). Employer Declaration Letter (EDL)
Recognized Credentials Program
- Submit a copy of a recognized trade certificate from outside Alberta.
- Pass a theory exam.
Employment in the Trade
Restricted Activities
- Specific tasks and function within the trade may only be performed by authorized individuals.
- Restricted Activities List - Transport Refrigeration Technician
- Restricted Activities Info Sheet
- Board Order
Authorized Individuals
- To perform restricted activities, you must be:
- a registered apprentice, or
- working at a journeyperson level in the opinion of your employer (journeyperson certification optional).
Apprentice-to-Mentor Ratio
- Employers may employ two apprentices for every one assigned mentor (2:1).
Wages
- Apprentices must be paid at least the below percentage of the rate received by the lowest-paid Transport Refrigeration Technician journeyperson employed by the same company.
- Period 1: 60%
- Period 2: 75%
- Period 3: 90%
Recognized Credentials
- If you hold a recognized trade certificate from outside of Alberta, you are authorized to work in the full scope of the trade in Alberta.
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