The Energy Efficient Mechanical Systems Training program provides students with a solid introduction to the fundamentals of modern, sustainable mechanical systems. The training covers the safe installation, setup, and maintenance of systems, including HVAC, heat pumps, gas appliances, ductwork, and piping. Students gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on shop experience, learning how to use tools, read mechanical drawings, follow codes, and apply industry best practices.

New technologies that support the green economy are a strong focus of our program. We teach students to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize energy waste from older, inefficient systems. Through practical training, students learn how to improve system performance, prevent power losses, and contribute to more sustainable building operations. The program’s blend of classroom and workshop learning ensures that graduates understand not only how systems work but also how they can be optimized for energy efficiency.

This is an introductory course and is not a substitute for full trade certification. Graduates can enter entry-level energy-efficient mechanical trades jobs or use this training as a pathway to work with contractors and later pursue apprenticeships or foundation programs if they wish to specialize in a specific trade.

Graduates of this program will be prepared for entry-level roles in mechanical trades, supporting licensed technicians and contractors. Typical positions include HVAC helper, heat pump installer assistant, gas appliance installer helper, sheet metal and ductwork fabrication helper, hydronic heating installer assistant, and building systems assistant. Opportunities also exist as energy efficiency technician assistants, mechanical construction laborers, or in service and warehouse support roles for HVAC and mechanical supply companies. These positions provide a pathway to apprenticeships, foundation programs, or specialized certifications in the mechanical trades, particularly in energy-efficient and green building applications.

Grade 12 graduation or equivalent (General Education Development, Adult Basic Education) or mature student status (age 19 and one year out of school). All transcripts must be “true certified copies” or originals.

Prior to acceptance, applicants must successfully complete the admissions interview and meet each of the following requirements listed under items 1) and 2) below.

1) Fulfill Math Assessment Requirement

Math Assessment requirement

• Domestic Students:
• a) Successful completion of a math assessment conducted in-house by Ace Community College with a minimum score of 50%
• OR
• b) Successful completion of provincially recognized Grade 10, 11, or 12 Mathematics with a minimum passing score of C.
• International Students:
• a) Successful completion of a math assessment conducted in-house by Ace Community College with a minimum score of 50%.
• OR
• b) International students can meet the Math Entrance Assessment requirement by providing an equivalent to Canadian High School Math 10, 11 or 12 with a passing grade of ‘C’. The credential must be evaluated and verified.

2) Fulfill Language Proficiency Requirement

Language Proficiency Requirement

All applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria (a, b, c, or d)

• a) Evidence that 3 years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8-12), or 2 years if the Grades are 10, 11, or 12, have been successfully completed in the program’s language of instruction in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages*.

  *Applicants are advised to contact ACE Community College to confirm whether their country is officially recognized as one where English is the principal language of instruction for the purpose of meeting this requirement.

• b) 2 years of full-time post-secondary education* have been completed in the program’s language of instruction in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages (including international education credentials recognized through WES, ICES, and IQAS).

  *Language development courses (i.e., ELL courses) cannot be included in this calculation.

• c) Provide official, verified transcripts showing results for one of the English language proficiency tests listed below, with scores that meet or exceed the minimum requirements specified for each test.

  Test results must be dated no more than two years before the start date of the program:

  • International English Language Testing System:(IELTS) Academic Minimum overall score of 5.5
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT: Minimum overall score of 46
  • Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): Minimum overall score of 40
  • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5.
  • Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum overall score of 95
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Minimum overall score of 43
  • Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE)
  • Institutions may include other Cambridge Qualifications at a higher level (i.e., C2 Proficiency (CPE)): Minimum overall score of 160 or “C”
  • Cambridge Linguaskill: Minimum overall B2 level
  • LANGUAGECERT Academic: Minimum overall B2 level
  • The Michigan English Test (MET): Minimum overall B2 level
  • iTEP Academic: Minimum overall score of 3.5
  • EIKEN: Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1

• d) Mature student applicants ONLY:

  Applicant is 19 years or older at the start of the program and is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who cannot access their educational records or provide sufficient evidence of secondary or post-secondary education as outlined above:

  • I. Applicant must provide attestation that they have completed at least three years of full-time instruction in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages.

• II. Applicant completes an Accuplacer English Assessment (Next Generation: Reading, Writing, and WritePlacer) and achieves the following minimum scores:
  • ✓ Reading: 230
  • ✓ Writing: 230
  • ✓ WritePlacer: 4

By the end of this program, students will be able to:

• Follow workplace safety rules and use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly in energy-efficient mechanical system environments.
• Identify hazards in the mechanical trades and take steps to prevent accidents while supporting the green economy.
• Use and care for hand tools, power tools, and testing equipment designed for energy-efficient mechanical installations.
• Measure, cut, and prepare materials to reduce waste and support sustainable construction practices.
• Read and interpret basic mechanical drawings, blueprints, and specifications for energy-efficient system layouts.
• Understand and follow building codes, safety regulations, and industry standards that promote energy efficiency and reduce energy loss.
• Describe the purpose and operation of HVAC systems with a focus on high-efficiency models that lower operating costs.
• Assist with the installation and setup of HVAC and duct systems to minimize air leakage and save power.
• Explain the principles of heat pump operation and how they contribute to the green economy through reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
• Assist with installing and maintaining heat pump systems to improve performance and reduce wasted energy.
• Assist with installing and testing gas appliances and piping systems to achieve safe, energy-efficient operation.
• Perform sheet metal fabrication and ductwork assembly with sealing techniques to prevent heat or cooling loss.
• Assist with hydronic piping layout, joining, and pressure testing to ensure efficient heat transfer.
• Conduct basic energy efficiency checks, including visual inspections and simple measurements, to identify areas of energy loss.
• Work effectively as part of a mechanical trades team, promoting energy-efficient solutions that benefit both the environment and operating costs.
• Demonstrate job readiness and professional communication skills, including resume writing, interview preparation, and teamwork.
• Explore a variety of skilled trades careers and make informed choices about future training, apprenticeships, or entry-level work.

• Weekly tests will be conducted.
• In the end, students will be given a final exam.

• Successful completion of all on-campus tests and final exam with a minimum of 50% overall average.

• The total program hours are 240 hours.
• The full-time program length is 12 weeks.
• The part-time program length is 16 weeks.

Students can expect to complete 1 to 3 hours of homework per day.

• 100% hours of instruction delivered in a classroom or other setting, where instructors share the same physical space as students.

Textbooks / Learning Resources

• Energy-Efficient Mechanical Systems Training Program (E-textbook)
  • Author: ACE Community College
  • Publisher: ACE Community College
• Instructor-prepared handouts and digital resources on energy-efficient mechanical systems
• Manufacturer manuals for HVAC, heat pump, and gas appliance equipment

Tools & Equipment (Student Use in Shop)

• Basic hand tool kit (screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, utility knife, measuring tape, levels)
• Cordless drill with assorted bits
• Sheet metal snips and folding tools
• Tube cutter and flaring tool
• Multimeter for electrical checks
• Refrigerant gauge manifold set
• PPE-approved safety harness (for ladder/scaffold use)
• Tool pouch or belt

Safety Gear

• Steel-toe safety boots
• CSA-approved safety glasses
• CSA-approved work gloves
• High-visibility vest
• Hard hat (CSA-approved)
• Dust Mask

Other Educational Materials

• Access to a laptop/ tablet for Online learning Modules and to complete assignments and exams on Moodle LMS
• Notebook, pens, mechanical pencil, and a Calculator (scientific or trades-style)