Program Description

HVAC Concentrated OYAP/ SHSM program is specifically designed to help students make a smooth successful transition from high school directly into their post-secondary education.  This program can be taken as a Specialist High Skills Major program, which is for all destinations (Apprenticeship, College, University, Workplace) or as a Concentrated OYAP program.  For the OYAP, you must take the 4 concentrated HVAC courses plus a minimum of 2 coop credits. 

For the Specialist High Skills Major program, you must also be successful in the following:

• the 4 major HVAC courses, 1 senior business or science course, 1 grade 11 and 1 grade 12 Math course, one grade 12 English.  There are contexturalized units related to English and Math courses (6 hour units related to HVAC that are imbedded into the math and English courses at the different levels at MM Robinson High School) 
• at least 2 coop credits connected to the major HVAC courses and other experiential learning experiences
• the industry recognized certifications that you will get during the program
• reach ahead opportunities (ie going to Mohawk College to visit their program)
• Use the Ontario Skills Passport (OSP) to document demonstration of essential skills and work habits

Students will have an opportunity to learn the common core components of the Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic apprenticeship. During this program, students will have the opportunity to acquire a gas fitter certificate and ODP Certification (Ozone Depletion) as well as cover the units below.

Program Planning

2009 - 2010 School Year

2010 - 2011 School Year

HVAC OYAP/SHSM

The HVAC Concentrated OYAP Program follows the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Curriculum Guidelines for the Common Core for the HVAC trades.

Career Opportunities

Mechanical Engineers: (NOC code: 2132)

Mechanical engineers research, design and develop machinery and systems for heating, ventilating and air conditioning, power generation, transportation, processing and manufacturing. They also perform duties related to the evaluation, installation, operation and maintenance of mechanical systems. Mechanical engineers are employed by consulting firms, by power-generating utilities and in a wide range of manufacturing, processing and transportation industries or they may be self-employed. The most important Essential Skills for this occupation are: Critical Thinking, Data Analysis, Measurement and Calculation, Money Math, Numerical Estimation, Problem Solving, Scheduling or Budgeting and Accounting.

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians: (NOC code: 2232)

Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians provide technical support and services or may work independently in mechanical engineering fields such as the design, development, maintenance and testing of machines, components, tools, heating and ventilating systems, power generation and power conversion plants, manufacturing plants and equipment. They are employed by consulting engineering, manufacturing and processing companies, institutions and government departments. The most important Essential Skills for this occupation are: Data Analysis, Document Use, Measurement and Calculation, Money Math, Numerical Estimation, Problem Solving, Scheduling or Budgeting and Accounting.

Gas Fitter: (NOC code: 7253)

Gas fitters install, inspect, repair, and maintain gas lines and gas equipment such as meters, regulators, heating units and appliances in residential, commercial and industrial establishments. They are employed by gas utility companies and gas servicing companies. The most important Essential Skills for this occupation are: Decision Making, Document Use, Oral Communication.

** Info from the Ontario Skills Passport

Other Related Career Pathways: gas customer servicer, gas technician, Steamfitters, Pipefitters and Sprinkler System Installers

Salaries

HVAC installer - $40,000 per year
HVAC Mechanic - $78.000 per year

Interesting Facts

Are there any health benefits that come from HVAC system cleaning?
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems have been shown to act as a collection source for a variety of contaminants that have the potential to affect health, such as mold, fungi, bacteria, and very small particles of dust. The removal of such contaminants from the HVAC system and home should be considered as one component in an overall plan to improve indoor air quality. (info from this source)

Will HVAC system cleaning reduce our home energy bills?
Research by the U.S. EPA has demonstrated that HVAC system cleaning may allow systems to run more efficiently by removing debris from sensitive mechanical components. Clean, efficient systems are less likely to break down, have a longer life span, and generally operate more effectively than dirty systems. (info from http://aroundthetownhvac.net/blog/?p=32)

How to be friendly to your ozone.
New refrigerants are being developed for air conditioners because traditional refrigerants, if they accidentally escape from an aging system, can cause damage to the ozone layer of the earth's atmosphere. Scientists have associated ozone depletion with potential health risks, and many countries, including the United States, are taking steps to reverse the trend.

The culprit in traditional refrigerants (R-12 and R-22) is a chlorine atom, which reacts with ozone in the upper atmosphere and destroys it. R-410A, chemically known as an HFC (hydrofluorocarbon), contains no chlorine and will not damage the ozone layer. (info from this source)

Did you know that mold NEEDS moisture in order grow? The optimal humidity levels for mold growth is 70 to 93% relative humidity (RH.) This is why a good and powerful dehumidifier is a must for many households. (info from this source)

Certificates

SHSM Program:  Students who complete all of the requirements for the SHSM diploma will receive, at graduation a special SHSM graduation diploma with a read seal on it statying that they have completed the SHSM program in the Construction Sector.  They will also receive a Record of Achievement that will show all of the industry recognized certifications that the student received during the course. 

OYAP Program:  Students that are successful in this program earning all four of their in-school credits and a minimum of 2 coop credits will earn a Concentrated OYAP pre-Apprenticeship Certificate. This indicates that the students have successfully completed the Concentrated OYAP program.

Process:

The OYAP process consists of 4 main stages 1. The information gathering and awareness stage 2. The program contact stage (log onto www.onsorts.ca and choose up to 2 courses that you may be interested in.) 3. The interview preparation stage 4. The interview

To learn more about the process or to start the process you can download the following documents. These documents designed to help you through the process of being accepted into a Concentrated OYAP Program.

Downloads:

• OYAP Application Package All forms required to apply for OYAP

You may also pick up a complete package from the School to Career Guidance contact at your present school to book a visit or interview.

For the name of the School to Career Contact at your school go to our Contact Us page.

To apply or find out more about an OYAP school to career program, click here