Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic (NSW)

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic (NSW/ACT)

Education and Training:

To become a refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic you usually have to complete an apprenticeship in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. Entry requirements may vary but employers usually require Year 10. Ask your career adviser about the possibility of starting some of this training in school.

Additional Information:

National environmental legislation requires those who work with refrigerant chemicals to possess special handling and/or trading licences issued by the Australian Refrigeration Council. See www.arctick.org for more information.

In April 2009, the Commonwealth, state and territory governments agreed to introduce a National Occupational Licensing System for a number of specified occupations. This new national system will replace the existing state-based licensing requirements. Existing state and territory licences in these occupations will automatically be transferred to an equivalent national licence, entitling the holder to use the licence to work anywhere in the country.

National licensing for refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics is due to be implemented in July 2012. For full details see the National Occupational Licensing Authority website (http://nola.gov.au).

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

Employment Opportunities:

Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics are employed mainly by installation, service maintenance and manufacturing firms that service shops, hotels, factories, offices and hospitals. Some refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics work for firms that specialise in cold storage, food treatment plants and refrigeration on ships. With experience, and sometimes further training, promotion is possible to supervisory, sales, technician, associate, technologist or engineer positions. Some refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics are self-employed.

Opportunities for refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics are affected by the level of building and refurbishment activity, especially in the commercial and industrial sectors.