1st Year Apprentice Refrigeration Mechanic

Mikisew Group; Fort McMurray; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Mikisew Group is seeking a 1st Year Apprentice Refrigeration Mechanic to join our Syncrude Canada Site team. Work under licensed mechanics to learn installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of HVAC/R systems, aiming for certification.

You will participate in hands-on field work and formal apprenticeship training, with safety and quality as core expectations. This role offers a structured path to becoming a licensed Refrigeration Mechanic.

Qualifications

• Registered as a Refrigeration Apprentice or willing to register in an apprenticeship program.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to learn electrical and refrigeration systems.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to pass background checks or site‑specific requirements where applicable.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the installation of refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation, and HVAC equipment.
• Perform preventative maintenance on refrigeration and HVAC systems.
• Assist with diagnosing mechanical, electrical, and refrigeration system faults.
• Follow workplace health and safety procedures and use PPE correctly.
• Communicate professionally with customers and site personnel.
• Attend apprenticeship training as required.

Skills

Strong work ethic

Communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Time management

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Basic hand tools

Job description

The Opportunity - 1st Year Apprentice Refrigeration Mechanic

MM Limited Partnership (MML), a Mikisew Group company, is currently seeking candidates for the position of 1st Year Apprentice Refrigeration Mechanic to join our operation at Syncrude Canada Site. MML provides comprehensive Client services in facility maintenance, road and grounds, projects, winterization services and industrial refrigeration services.

• Shift: 7 Days on 7 days off (12 hrs /day)
• Wage: Per collective agreement/General Presidents Maintenance Agreement (GPMA) Must be willing/able to join Local 488 Union

Position Summary

The Refrigeration Apprentice works under the supervision of licensed Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics to learn the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of commercial and industrial refrigeration, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC/R) systems. This role combines hands‑on field experience with technical learning to develop the skills required for certification as a qualified Refrigeration Mechanic.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Installation
  • Assist with the installation of refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation, and HVAC equipment.
  • Help install refrigerant piping, electrical components, controls, and associated equipment.
  • Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and installation specifications.
  • Prepare materials, tools, and equipment required for job sites.
• Maintenance
  • Perform preventative maintenance on refrigeration and HVAC systems.
  • Clean coils, condensers, evaporators, filters, and mechanical components.
  • Inspect equipment for wear, damage, or potential failures.
  • Maintain accurate maintenance records and service documentation.
• Repairs and Troubleshooting
  • Assist with diagnosing mechanical, electrical, and refrigeration system faults.
  • Replace defective components under supervision.
  • Learn to use testing equipment such as multimeters, pressure gauges, vacuum pumps, and leak detectors.
  • Support emergency repair work when required.
• Safety and Compliance
  • Follow all workplace health and safety procedures.
  • Use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly.
  • Handle refrigerants in accordance with environmental regulations and company policies.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
  • Participate in safety meetings and ongoing training.
• Customer Service
  • Communicate professionally with customers and site personnel.
  • Represent the company in a courteous and respectful manner.
  • Maintain confidentiality and professionalism while working on customer sites.
• Learning and Development
  • Attend apprenticeship training as required.
  • Learn refrigeration principles, electrical systems, controls, and mechanical processes.
  • Seek guidance from journeypersons and supervisors to develop technical skills.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

Qualifications

• Registered as a Refrigeration Apprentice or willing to register in an apprenticeship program.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to learn electrical and refrigeration systems.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to pass background checks or site‑specific requirements where applicable.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Mechanical aptitude.
• Basic math and measurement skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and work safely.
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Dependability and punctuality.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
• Ability to work at heights using ladders or lifts.
• Comfortable working in confined spaces and various weather conditions.
• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, and climb for extended periods.
• Manual dexterity to operate tools and equipment.

Working Conditions

• Commercial, industrial, and institutional job sites.
• Indoor and outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
• Occasional overtime, evenings, weekends, or on‑call work as required.
• Exposure to mechanical equipment, electrical systems, refrigerants, and construction environments.

Selection Process

All candidates will be required to participate in a comprehensive screening process as part of the selection process. This may include interviews, aptitude testing, and other assessment methods designed to evaluate suitability for the apprenticeship. For internal applicants, the selection process will also include a review of employment history, job performance, attendance, and feedback from current and previous managers.

Preference will be given to Mikisew Cree First Nation (MCFN) Members.

Career Progression

Successful apprentices will gain the knowledge and practical experience required to advance through the apprenticeship program and ultimately qualify as a licensed Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic.

This posting will remain open until suitable candidates have been found. We would like to thank all applicants for your interest in working with our team.

About Mikisew Group

Since 1991, Mikisew Group has been a leading Oilsands partner specializing in site services, maintenance, logistics and construction. We foster the responsible development of our land's resources while powering sustainable economic progress in our communities and beyond. Mikisew Group has been recognized for overall business performance and sustained growth with the prestigious Canada’s Best Managed Companies designation. The 2021 Best Managed program award winners are among the best in class of Canadian‑owned and managed companies with revenues more than $25 million, demonstrating leadership in the areas of strategy, capabilities and innovation, culture and commitment, and financials to achieve sustainable growth.