Certificate III of Air-conditioning & Refrigeration

Airconditioning & Refrigeration

With temperatures rising, there has been a large increase in the number of homes and offices that use air-conditioners. Consequently, there has been a large increase in air- conditioning refrigeration mechanics in Australia and around the world.

Air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanics assemble, install, maintain and repair industrial, commercial and domestic air-conditioning and refrigeration systems and equipment.

They also develop systems, select equipment, and commission, maintain and diagnose faults/malfunctions of refrigeration systems and equipment that apply to commercial food storage and preservation and air conditioning and air distribution equipment and special applications

Job prospects for refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics are strong, with the number of new job creations increasing very strongly over the past 5 years and expected to remain stable in the future. As more homes and commercial building installing cooling systems, the skills you gain throughout this course will be needed for setting up as well as maintenance and repair work.

Graduates will be qualified tradesperson in air-conditioning & refrigeration industry. Graduates will be skilled in many aspects of air-conditioning & refrigeration mechanics including:

  • Establishing job requirements from drawings and specifications, and laying out installation reference points.
  • Drilling holes, installing mounting brackets and cutting, bending and threading piping.
  • Installing and repairing components such as compressors, motors, condensers, evaporators, switches and gauges, and copper lines for steam, gas, refrigerant, compressed air, oil and chilled water.
  • Bolting, soldering, riveting, welding and brazing pipes to connect equipment, and checking alignment and accuracy of fit.
  • Filling systems with gas or fluid to check for leaks.
  • Test-operating refrigeration systems, checking mechanisms and making adjustments.
  • Removing test gas and fluid using vacuum pumps, and filling with refrigerant.

Training is comprises of theoretical and practical component as well as workplace learning amounting to about 400 hours. Licenses for Electricians and Air conditioning mechanics are issued by Fair Trading. www.fairtrading.gov.au

Common Course Requirements

  1. Must have graduated year 10 in home country.
  2. Must have a minimum of IELTS 5.5 overall.
  3. Must be over 18 years of age

Graduate Outcome

  • Full time air-conditioning & refrigeration mechanics earn an average of $1400.00 per week.
  • The average hours worked an air-conditioning &refrigeration mechanic in Australia are 44 per week.
  • Job prospects for refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanics are strong, with the number of new job creations increasing very strongly over the past 5 years and are expected to remain stable in the future
  • Air-conditioning & refrigeration mechanics have a very high proportion of full-time jobs (89 per cent).
  • Air-conditioning & refrigeration mechanics can work independently as a subcontractor or for a larger company.
Course Details

Price (per year)

$10 000 - $15 000

Duration

12-24 months

Location

Sydney

Intake

February, July and October

Temporary Graduate Visa

If undertaking study in Australia for a minimum of 2 years you may qualify for the Temporary Graduate Visa. This visa allows the holder 1.5 years unlimited work rights in Australia. Many graduates use this time to build up experience in their field or find an employer that is willing to sponsor their visa.

If you have applied for the Temporary Graduate Visa you may also be eligible to apply for the Job Ready Program. The Job Ready Program is run through TRA and allows graduates in certain disciplines to have their skills assessed for skilled migration purposes. It is a way for people to have their skills assessed without having the experience. Once the student receives a positive skills assessment they may be eligible to apply for permanent work visas such as State Sponsored and General Skilled Migration Visas.

Note: It is never recommended to engage in studies for the sole purpose of trying to gain a visa to Australia. Speak to us and we can find a course that matches your long-term career goals.

Graduate Visa - Pathway To Aus

Graduate Visa

The Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows recent university graduates and certain vocational graduates the chance to remain in Australia and work after their studies have finished.

Education Pathways

Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanic (342111) – Is currently on the Skilled Occupations List.

The skills assessment for Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanics is delivered through Trade Recognition Australia (TRA).

The qualification required to obtain a positive skills assessment as an Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanics is the Certificate III of Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration.

If you undertake this course and participate in the job ready program you may even be able to do this without being sponsored by an employer and you may not need to live in a regional area.

Note: It is never recommended to engage in studies for the sole purpose of trying to gain a visa to Australia. Speak to us and we can find a course that matches your long-term career goals.

Step 1: Study a course or package of courses

Study a course or package of courses that goes for at least 2 years and includes the Certificate III in Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration.

Step 2: Receive the Temporary Graduate Visa

By studying for 2 years and undertaking a 360 hours vocational placement during your studies (most education providers will arrange this for you), you may be eligible to apply for and receive the Temporary Graduate Visa. The graduate visa is a work visa that allows the visa holder to live and work in Australia for up to 18 months. For more information on the Graduate Visa, click here.

Step 3: Participate in the Job Ready Program

The main benefit of the JRP is that on completion you will be provided with a positive skills assessment for general migration purposes. On this program, you must work for at least 12 months as a qualified Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanic

Your employer will not need to sponsor your visa, as you will already be on the graduate visa. This will mean that you have a much higher chance of finding employment as it is very easy for the employer to hire you. You may find this video on the Job Ready Program helpful.

Step 4: Apply for a General Skilled Migration Visas

Once you have completed the Job Ready Program as aN Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanic you will receive a positive skills assessment. Once you have the positive skills assessment you may be able to apply for general skilled migration visas. If eligible, the general skilled migration visas (Skilled Independent Subclass 189, State Nominated Subclass 190 or Regional Nominated Subclass 491) do not require you to have an employer that is willing to sponsor your visa. Please note that you will still be required to pass the points test and health checks to apply for this visa.

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Frequently Asked Questions

In case you don’t find an answer to your question, feel free to consult with one of our agents.

What do you do as an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic?

Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics assemble, install, maintain and repair industrial, commercial and domestic airconditioning and refrigeration systems and equipment. An Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic also does the following in a normal day:

  • establishing job requirements from drawings and specifications, and laying out installation reference points
  • drilling holes, installing mounting brackets and cutting, bending and threading piping
  • installing and repairing components such as compressors, motors, condensers, evaporators, switches and gauges, and copper lines for steam, gas, refrigerant, compressed air, oil and chilled water
  • bolting, soldering, riveting, welding and brazing pipes to connect equipment, and checking alignment and accuracy of fit
  • filling systems with gas or fluid to check for leaks
  • test-operating refrigeration systems, checking mechanisms and making adjustments
  • removing test gas and fluid using vacuum pumps, and filling with refrigerant
  • checking and overhauling refrigeration systems, diagnosing faults and repairing and replacing defective components
  • adjusting system controls and mechanisms and reassembling systems
  • recording causes of malfunctioning and action taken
What do you do as an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic? was last modified: July 28th, 2020 by PTA

Where can I study to be an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic?

You can study to be an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic in Sydney, Australia

Where can I study to be an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic? was last modified: July 28th, 2020 by PTA

Can foreigners do an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic apprenticeship in Australia?

International students can’t do an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic apprenticeship in Australia. Instead, they can study a 24-month vocational course to become a qualified Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic. Click here to read more about apprenticeships and vocational courses for international students

Can foreigners do an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic apprenticeship in Australia? was last modified: July 28th, 2020 by PTA

How much does a Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic get paid?

As per Job Outlook, a qualified Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic earns $1,400 a week, on average

How much does a Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic get paid? was last modified: July 28th, 2020 by PTA

What qualifications do I need to be an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic?

To be a qualified Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic in Australia you need to have successfully completed a Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

What qualifications do I need to be an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic? was last modified: July 28th, 2020 by PTA

How much is an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic course?

Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration courses, cost $13,000 – $15,000 per year, Prices may vary depending on education institute

How much is an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic course? was last modified: July 28th, 2020 by PTA

How long does it take to become a qualified Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic?

It takes 12-24 months to complete the Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. Durations vary depending on education institute

How long does it take to become a qualified Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic? was last modified: July 28th, 2020 by PTA

What is the study timetable like for a Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic course?

The Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration is generally 15-20 hours per week, spread over 2-3 days. Timetables vary depending on education institute.

What is the study timetable like for a Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic course? was last modified: July 28th, 2020 by PTA

Will these qualifications be recognised in my home country?

These qualifications are part of the Australian Qualification Framework. Most countries, specifically European or North American countries, accept qualifications issued by Australia. So yes, generally speaking, the qualifications will be accepted and allow you to work in your home country. Please note, we would always advise you check specifically with your home country.

Will these qualifications be recognised in my home country? was last modified: July 28th, 2020 by PTA

What do equipment do I need to work as a Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic?

Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics use a range of tools, including the following:

  • Charging scales
  • Leak detection equipment
  • Manifolds, gauges & hoses
  • Refrigeration recovery units
  • Tube working tools
  • Vacuum pumps
  • Brazing equipment
  • Digital thermometers
What do equipment do I need to work as a Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic? was last modified: July 28th, 2020 by PTA

How many hours a week does an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic work?

As per Job OutLook, Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics work an average of 44 hours per week.

How many hours a week does an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic work? was last modified: July 28th, 2020 by PTA

Is a Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic in demand in Australia?

Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic is currently on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) in Australia

Is a Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic in demand in Australia? was last modified: July 28th, 2020 by PTA

Can you be an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic without a degree?

Yes, you can become a qualified Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanicin Australia with Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

Can you be an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic without a degree? was last modified: July 28th, 2020 by PTA

Is it hard to get a job as an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic?

As per Job Outlook, 89% of Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics are employed full time

Is it hard to get a job as an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic? was last modified: July 28th, 2020 by PTA

How does the future of Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic industry look?

As per Job OutLook, the industry for Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics is predicted to have moderate future growth

How does the future of Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic industry look? was last modified: July 28th, 2020 by PTA

Is the Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic course difficult?

The Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration requires students to have a completed the equivalent of Australian Year 10

Is the Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic course difficult? was last modified: July 28th, 2020 by PTA

How do I get started?

If you complete this questionnaire we’ll be able to send you some detailed information on the course and explain what documents you’ll need for enrolment

How do I get started? was last modified: July 28th, 2020 by PTA

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