Refrigeration is a Certificate program offered by Alaska Vocational Technical Center in Seward, AK. The program takes 19 weeks (630 clock hours) to complete, with a total tuition of $3,287.
Program Overview
Refrigeration Technicians install, maintain, and repair refrigeration and Ammonia air conditioning and refrigeration systems as well as troubleshoot and repair electrical components and motor controls. Their skills are in demand throughout Alaska, particularly in commercial settings such as office buildings, restaurants, public buildings, seafood processing, manufacturing plants, hospitals, pharmaceutical facilities, supermarkets, and shipping industries, with some application in residential settings.
The Refrigeration program offers a blend of classroom instruction, lab, and live work practice. This program is fast-paced and challenging. Students should have mechanical aptitude, strong mathematics and reading skills, and the ability to manage time effectively. The small class sizes at AVTEC provide students with the opportunity to experience extensive hands-on training.
Students train on a variety of commercial refrigeration systems. Students practice installing, troubleshooting and repairing refrigeration, heat pump, and air conditioning systems, compressors, evaporators, condensers, control devices, control valves, electrical controls and motors, and electrical wiring.
The Refrigeration program prepares students for entry-level employment and apprenticeships in the refrigeration industry.
What Sets This Program Apart
Industry Certifications: OSHA 10; First Aid and CPR; EPA 608.
Graduation Achievement Levels
- Level 1 - Refrigeration Support Technician
- Level 2 - Refrigeration Maintenance Specialist
- Level 3 - Refrigeration Technician
Admission Requirements & Process
To apply for admission at AVTEC a student must meet the following requirements:
- At least 18 years old (exceptions apply)
- A high school graduate with an earned high school diploma or GED (exceptions apply)
- Successful completion of an entrance assessment
- Complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): AVTEC's School Code is 031603
Exception to Admission Requirement Age, High School or GED and FAFSA completion
- If a student is not yet 18 years old but will be 18 prior to completion of AVTEC training, an exception to the AVTEC admission requirements for age, high school diploma/GED and FAFSA completion may be granted for all occupational programs.
- If a student is not yet 18 years old but will be 18 prior to completion of AVTEC training AND has earned a high school diploma/GED, an exception to the AVTEC admission requirements for age may be granted for all occupational programs.
- Additional admission documentation is required for all exceptions for admissions.
A non-refundable application fee of $50 is due with each training application. Entrance assessments must have been completed within 18 months from the date of application to be valid.
School Information
Location
Accreditation & Approvals
For over 25 years the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) has been accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE), a national accrediting agency of higher education institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. COE was created in 1971 as part of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and became independent in 1995.
Accreditation is a status granted to an educational institution or program that has been found to meet or exceed stated criteria of educational quality and student achievement. Accreditation by COE is viewed as a nationally honored seal of excellence for occupational education institutions and denotes honesty and integrity.
For more information about the COE, please visit their website at https://council.org/ or contact them at 7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA 30350. Telephone: (770) 396-3898 / Fax: (770) 396-3790.
Application Process
- 1Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form with your personal information and educational background.Apply Now
- 2Submit TranscriptsProvide official high school transcripts or GED certificate. Some programs may require additional documentation.
- 3Financial AidComplete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. Meet with a financial aid advisor to review your options.Complete FAFSA Application
- 4EnrollmentOnce accepted, complete enrollment paperwork, register for classes, and attend orientation.
Program Schedule
Program begins Fall Term: 08-11-25 to 12-19-25. Training daily Mon-Fri 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Total Clock Hours: 630.
Cost of Attendance & Financial Aid
A non-refundable application fee of $50 is due with each training application.
- Tuition: $3,287
- Room & Board: $6,212
- Technology Fee: $195
- Student Service Fee: $150
- Books/Materials (provided by AVTEC): $210
- Supplies (provided by AVTEC): $1,729
- Items NOT provided by AVTEC: $1,600
- TOTAL: $13,383
Prices are subject to change.
There are multiple scholarships and grants available as well as state and Federal Student Aid for students to attend training at AVTEC. For more information, contact the AVTEC Financial Aid office at (907) 224-6156 or studentaid@avtec.edu.
Financial Aid: Federal Grants and Loans
Federal Pell Grants and Federal Direct Loans (Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans) are available to qualified students. Applicants must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For FAFSA - AVTEC's School Code is 031603. Funding for Federal Pell Grants is based on financial need as evidenced in the prior-prior-year tax return information. All funds awarded are subject to Federal and State regulations and AVTEC policy. These funds are disbursed in two disbursements, one at the beginning of training, and the second when half of the training is completed. Students must meet AVTEC's definition of Satisfactory Academic Progress to receive the funds.
Financial Aid: Other Resources
- Alaska Supplemental Education Loans and Alaska Family Education Loans
- Parent PLUS Loans
- Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development Job Centers: Federal workforce development funds include but are not limited to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and unemployment insurance benefits.
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Alaska Native Corporations, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA): To inquire about funding available and qualifications to apply, contact the agencies directly.
Total program tuition is $3,287 (tuition only; any fees billed separately).
Career Outcomes
AVTEC is committed to assisting students and graduates in the pursuit of training-related employment. The Career Advisor provides assistance to students in the development of employment plans and job search skills throughout training and after graduation.
AVTEC's history of training Alaskans has resulted in an active and positive relationship with employers throughout the state. Both the Career Advisor and instructors maintain contacts within business and industry and provide assistance in connecting students with potential employers.
Individual assistance and classes in resume writing, job search and interview skills are provided to all students attending long-term training programs. Work Keys Assessments for the National Career Readiness Certificate are offered and available to students.
Employer recruitment events, including at least one annual job fair, are held on campus to provide students with information about employment opportunities and the opportunity to meet with employers from around the state.
What to Expect as a Alaska Vocational Technical Center Student
The training programs and facilities at AVTEC are designed to closely simulate real-life workplace environments, with hands-on training labs comprising over 70% of student learning time. Small class sizes facilitate personalized attention from subject matter expert instructors who work with employers to adapt training programs, ensuring their relevance and value in the Alaskan job market. Students who successfully complete the program receive an AVTEC certificate; many are able to earn industry-recognized credentials and licenses as well.
Classrooms are typically limited to 10-16 students per instructor to provide a tailored learning experience and individualized instruction. Each program has a co-located lab space that allows for direct application of theory and lecture learned in the classroom.
School Information
Location
Accreditation & Approvals
For over 25 years the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) has been accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE), a national accrediting agency of higher education institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. COE was created in 1971 as part of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and became independent in 1995.
Accreditation is a status granted to an educational institution or program that has been found to meet or exceed stated criteria of educational quality and student achievement. Accreditation by COE is viewed as a nationally honored seal of excellence for occupational education institutions and denotes honesty and integrity.
For more information about the COE, please visit their website at https://council.org/ or contact them at 7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA 30350. Telephone: (770) 396-3898 / Fax: (770) 396-3790.