As an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic, you advise, procure, assemble, install, maintain and repair heating and cooling systems, equipment and components in residential, commercial and industrial settings, including associated refrigerant piping if required.

Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics are essential to supporting our decarbonisation efforts as they ensure that our heating and cooling systems use as little energy as possible, whilst still providing the best heating and cooling solution.

Heating and cooling is the number one energy user and emissions generator in our homes, and also accounts for significant energy consumption in buildings and industrial settings. Alongside playing this critical mitigation role, Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics are also essential to adaptation and resilience efforts, ensuring that indoor climates are comfortable and energy efficient.

• Communication and collaboration
• Construction
• Customer service
• Digital technologies and electronics
• Operating procedures and processes
• Production processes and machinery
• Quality control and inspections
• Science and mathematics
• Work activities preparation

More information can be found in the Australian Skills Classification’s Airconditioning and refrigeration mechanic occupation profile.

To become an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic, you need to complete a Certificate III in Airconditioning and Refrigeration and obtain a construction induction card (white card).

Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics are also required to maintain appropriate licenses and registrations in the state or territory in which they operate.

Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics that are looking to expand their skillsets and services, performing high-level fault diagnosis and rectification, commissioning and maintenance can elect to undertake a Certificate IV in Airconditioning and Refrigeration. Upon completion they will have progressed to become an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Technician.

To design and develop more complex systems and select equipment for special applications, a Diploma or Advanced Diploma of Airconditioning and Refrigeration Engineering may prove advantageous.

Read more about what Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics do at yourcareer.gov.au.