Airconditioning & Refrigeration
Certificate III of Air-conditioning & Refrigeration
Air conditioning and refrigeration technicians are responsible for assembling, installing, maintaining and repairing refrigeration and air conditioning systems and equipment in industrial, commercial and residential environments.
They also develop systems, select appropriate equipment, perform functional tests, maintenance and fault diagnosis on systems involving food storage and preservation, air conditioning and special applications.
The job outlook in this field is very positive. The number of new positions has grown significantly over the past five years, and the expectation is for stability in the future. As more and more homes and commercial buildings are installing refrigeration and air conditioning systems, the skills learned in this course will be highly valued for both installation and maintenance and repairs.
Graduates will be qualified to work as professionals in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector, with knowledge in various tasks, such as:
- Interpret technical drawings and specifications to define job requirements
- Drill holes, install supports and prepare pipes (cut, bend, thread)
- Install and repair components such as compressors, motors, condensers, evaporators, valves, sensors, and copper piping for steam, gas, refrigerant, compressed air, oil, and chilled water.
- Make connections using screws, welding, riveting or brazing, checking the alignment and correct fit of the parts.
- Fill systems with gas or fluid to identify leaks
- Perform functional tests on systems, check mechanisms and adjust as necessary
- Use vacuum pumps to draw test gases and then fill with the correct refrigerant
The training includes theory, laboratory practice and on-the-job learning, totaling approximately 400 hours.
Licenses for electricians and air conditioning technicians are issued by the Fair Trading body: www.fairtrading.gov.au,
About the course
Duration: 24 to 36 months
Cost: Between $25,000 and $30,000 per year
Intake: February, June, July and October
Cities: Sydney
Requirements
1) Students must be at least 18 years of age.
2) Academic requirement: Have completed the equivalent of Australian Year 10 (primary/secondary education) in the country of origin.
3) It is mandatory to present proof of your English level.
- Accepted tests: IELTS, PTE, among others.
- Example: IELTS with a minimum overall score of 6.0, and no band below 5.5 (or equivalent).
- The test must be valid (taken within the last 2 years) at the time of visa application.
- Some educational institutions offer an internal English test (taken at the school itself) that can be used to prove the required level of English.
Exemptions:
You may be exempt from the English language requirement if:
– are a citizen and hold a passport from the United Kingdom, USA, Canada, New Zealand or Ireland.
– are enrolled in a major course that is a registered school course, an intensive English language course (ELICOS), a course registered to be taught in another language, or a registered postgraduate research course.
– have studied for at least 5 years in English in one or more of the following countries: Australia, United Kingdom, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa or Ireland.
Job market
- Full-time air conditioning and refrigeration technicians earn, on average, $1,400 per week.
- The average number of hours worked per week in Australia is 44 hours.
- The job outlook for this profession is very positive, with strong growth in the number of new vacancies over the last 5 years, and expected stability in the future.
- Around 89% of these professionals work full-time.
- They can work as self-employed (subcontractors) or be part of a larger company in the construction or refrigeration sector.
Score to Immigrate
This is the minimum score that this profession was called in the last rounds of invitations for the 189 visa:
Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic (ANZSCO 342111)
December 8, 2022: 65 points
Information taken from the Home Affairs website.