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Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

Working as a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic you will install, test, troubleshoot, service and repair commercial and residential refrigeration and air conditioning systems. You will install and repair compressors, motors, condensers and evaporators.

Summary of Training

  • Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace
  • Compile and produce an energy sector detailed report
  • Document and apply measures to control WHS risks associated with electrotechnology work
  • Fabricate, assemble and dismantle utilities industry components
  • Fix and secure electrotechnology equipment
  • Participate in development and follow a personal competency development plan
  • Solve problems in ELV single path circuits
  • Use drawings, diagrams, schedules, standards, codes and specifications
  • Analyse the psychrometric performance of HVAC/R systems
  • Diagnose and rectify faults in air conditioning and refrigeration control systems
  • Establish heat loads for commercial refrigeration and/or air conditioning applications
  • Establish the basic operating conditions of air conditioning systems
  • Establish the basic operating conditions of vapour compression systems
  • Establish the thermodynamic parameters of refrigeration and air conditioning systems
  • Find and rectify faults in single phase motors and associated controls
  • Find and rectify faults in three phase motors and associated controls
  • Install refrigerant pipe work, flow controls and accessories
  • Install, commission, service and maintain air conditioning systems
  • Install, commission, service and maintain low temperature systems
  • Install, commission, service and maintain medium temperature systems
  • Prepare and connect refrigerant tubing and fittings
  • Recover and charge refrigerants
  • Safely handle refrigerants and lubricants
  • Select refrigerant piping, accessories and associated controls
  • Verify functionality and compliance of refrigeration and air conditioning installations
  • Solve problems in low voltage refrigeration and air conditioning circuits
  • Implement and monitor energy sector environmental and sustainable policies and procedures
  • Attach cords and plugs to electrical equipment for connection to a single phase 230 Volt supply
  • Attach cords, cables and plugs to electrical equipment for connection to 1000 V a.c. or 1500 V d.c.
  • Disconnect - reconnect electrical equipment connected to low voltage (LV) installation wiring
  • Locate and rectify faults in low voltage (LV) electrical equipment using set procedures
  • Maintain microbial control of refrigeration and air conditioning systems
  • Select basic commercial refrigeration system equipment, components and accessories

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: 17089

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 - UEE42920
NSW VIC QLD WA SA TAS ACT NT
Full Time

(Nominal Duration)

48 mths 12 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.

Fair Work Ombudsman

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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