Home Job Pathways Charts Manufacturing and Engineering Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Mechanic

Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Mechanic

Working as a Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Mechanic you will install, repair, and troubleshoot refrigeration systems. You could be employed in the residential or commercial sectors, and your job would involve diagnosing and maintaining climate control systems like HVAC units, ice makers, beverage equipment, and refrigerated storage units. Refer to industry requirements for recommended training pathways.

Summary of Training

  • Perform brazing and/or silver soldering
  • Interpret technical drawing
  • Terminate and connect electrical wiring
  • Install refrigeration and air conditioning plant and equipment
  • Install pipework and pipework assemblies
  • Undertake manual handling
  • Perform electrical/electronic measurement
  • Perform engineering measurements
  • Perform computations
  • Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering
  • Plan work activities
  • Organise and communicate information
  • Interact with computing technology
  • Assist in the provision of on-the-job training
  • Use hand tools
  • Use power tools/hand held operations
  • Fault find and repair electrical equipment/components up to 1000 volts a.c./1500 volts d.c
  • Disconnect/reconnect fixed wired equipment up to 1000 volts a.c./1500 volts d.c.
  • Dismantle, replace and assemble engineering components
  • Handle fluorocarbon refrigerants according to regulations
  • Test, recover, evacuate and charge refrigeration systems
  • Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
  • Install split air conditioning systems and associated pipework
  • Service and repair domestic and light commercial refrigeration and air conditioning equipment
  • Maintain and repair commercial air conditioning systems and components
  • Service and repair commercial refrigeration
  • Maintain, repair/replace and adjust refrigerant flow controls and associated equipment

Please note that this Job & Training Description provides an example of the selection of non-core units. Alternative combinations of units may be selected and in some cases prerequisite units may need to be completed. For advice contact Apprenticeship Network providers or an approved Registered Training Organisation.

This Australian Apprenticeship occupation may attract incentives under the Australian Government Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System. For more information contact an Apprenticeship Network provider, call the Australian Apprenticeships referral line on 13 38 73, or look at the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive page

Additionally, this Australian Apprenticeship occupation may attract incentives under the Australian Government's New Energy Apprenticeships Program. For more information contact an Apprenticeship Network provider, call the Australian Apprenticeships referral line on 13 38 73, or look at the Australian Apprenitceships Incentives page.

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Employment and wage data for this industry

Commencements Change

The change in Australian Apprenticeships commencements in this overall industry in the past two years. Commencements in 22/23: 10498

Source: VOCSTATS, extracted on 18/10/2023. AATIS analysis.

Graduate Employment

Australian Apprentice graduates from this overall industry in employment (in any industry).

Source: NCVER National Student Outcomes Survey, 2020, unpublished. AATIS analysis.

Graduate Wage

Average wage of Australian Apprentice graduates from this overall industry employed full-time after training.

Source: NCVER National Student Outcomes Survey, 2020, unpublished. AATIS analysis.

Industry Growth

Predicted growth in employment in this overall industry over the next 5 years.

Source: National Skills Commission, 2022. AATIS analysis.

Industry Size

The number of employees in this overall industry compared with other Australian industries.

Source: National Skills Commission, 2022. AATIS analysis.

Industry Wage

Average wage of employees in this overall industry.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2022. AATIS analysis.

Availability Information

Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Mechanic - MEM31322
NSW VIC QLD WA SA TAS ACT NT
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths 48 mths
Part Time
Commencements 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
ASbA
Availability of Australian Apprenticeships and Nominal Duration (in months)

A Qualification registered by a State or Territory as available as an Australian Apprenticeship may not be eligible for public funding support, check with the relevant State or Territory Training Authority.

Nominal durations listed are for full time occupations, stated in months. In some cases nominal durations provided may not include the completion of pre-requisites. This data is sourced from State and Territory Training Authorities and is provided for information only and must be confirmed with these authorities.

Commencements

Commencement data source: National Apprentices and Trainees collection, VOCSTATS, extracted 18/10/2023, rounded estimates for April 2022 to March 2023. This data is for general information purposes only.

Australian School-based Apprenticeships (ASbA)

This information generally reflects availability of ASbAs that may contribute to study scores. In some cases full-time or part-time ASbAs allow an individual to start training in a qualification that can be completed after they leave secondary school. Please note that applicable industrial arrangements must allow for ASbAs. Visit our Australian School-based Apprenticeships page for more detailed information.

Next Steps

Who to contact next ...

Search for an Apprenticeship Network provider or Group Training Organisation in your area to ask for more information about apprenticeships and traineeships.

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Where to ask wages questions ...

The Fair Work Ombudsman is the source of information on wages across industries and occupations. The FWO provides apprenticeship and traineeship specific information.

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Training provider and incentives information

Each state and territory lists Registered Training Organisations they approve to deliver apprenticeships and traineeships. Access these sites here, as well as information on incentives.

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