Comprehensive list of construction careers
Air conditioning & refrigeration mechanic
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So, you want to be a refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanic? Can you:
- Work at heights or in confined spaces
- Calculate and use math to do the jobs required
- Work by yourself or as part of a team
- Think logically to solve problems
- Learn to read schematic diagrams and plans
- Learn to work with a wide range of hand and power tools.
What does a Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Mechanic do?
Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Mechanics assemble, install, service and repair industrial, commercial and domestic refrigeration and air-conditioning systems in homes, shops, factories, office buildings and hospitals.
Worksites may be a customers’ house or even a huge facility like a high rise building or hospital where there will be huge pieces of machinery that will need to be worked on. Sometimes these machines are in a dedicated room or they may be on the top of a high rise building. Refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanics need to be well trained and flexible so that they can work in a wide range of workplaces and think out problems logically.
How do I become a refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanic?
Firstly, you will need to do some work experience so that you know what the job is about. If you think it’s for you, find an employer that is looking for an apprentice refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanic. You will then become an apprentice refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanic and will you will complete a certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical-Refrigeration and Air Conditioning) at a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Once you have completed the four year apprenticeship, you will be a qualified tradie!
What Next?
Once you are a tradie in the construction industry, you can continue working for small or large companies and move into leading hand, supervising or management positions. You might even want to start your own business and employ apprentices yourself. Some tradies even go on to further education to complete courses from Certificate IV to bachelor level. There are plenty of options for qualified refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanics.
