Trade spotlight – Refrigeration & air conditioning

Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanics commission and service refrigeration and air conditioning units for both domestic and commercial industries. Mechanics learn how to read and interpret plans for installation and assembly and service existing units.

Typical tasks would include cutting, bending and threading pipe, attaching piping to systems, filling with gas or fluids and testing for leaks, welding and drainage. There is also a large electrical component to this trade as well. 

You will become skilled in the use of tools such as pipe cutters and how to use gauges and instruments and electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic testing equipment on a wide variety of job sites.

This trade is diverse and you could find yourself working on domestic split systems, fridges in clubs, chillers and freezers in shopping centres or commercial air conditioning systems in large office blocks or high rise buildings.

Once you become trade qualified in this industry, you may consider further study to become dual qualified as an electrician. This is possible as some of the TAFE studies overlap with the Electrotechnology Electrician qualification.