Air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic apprenticeships
Interested in a cool career? Here’s what you need to know. Start a career as an air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic, enjoying hands-on work, strong demand, and the opportunity to develop in-demand skills that keep environments comfortable and efficient.
What does an air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic do?
Air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics maintain the systems and equipment used for air conditioning, food preservation, and storage in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
On any given day you could be:
- Chatting with clients and design engineers about installing refrigeration or air-conditioning systems
- Working out what’s needed for the job from detailed plans
- Assembling and installing units, mounting gear and piping
- Checking systems for leaks and faults
- Fixing and servicing equipment and parts such as compressors, motors, condensers and evaporators
- Ordering parts
- Testing and balancing systems once they are installed
Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic: cool skills, hot demand!
Start a cool career as an air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic, enjoying hands-on work, strong demand, and the opportunity to develop in-demand skills that keep environments comfortable and efficient.
Check out the highlights:
Average salary
$79,560
Career perks
Overtime pay Work at different locations
Work locations
A mix of work environments based on the job
Where you’ll work
- Indoors and outdoors
- Construction sites
- Commercial buildings
- Private homes
- At heights or in confined spaces such as ceiling cavities
- City or regional
A career in an air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics would suit someone who is:
- Practical
- Good with people
- Enjoys fixing things
- Reasonably fit
Get answers fast about air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic apprenticeships
An apprenticeship in air conditioning and refrigeration teaches you all about air conditioning, refrigeration and how to handle the right tools depending on the job. Under the supervision of qualified tradespeople, you will also learn how to:
- Install new refrigeration and air conditioning systems
- Choose parts and find and repair faults
- Produce drawings of electrical and mechanical circuits
- Dismantle and re-assemble mechanical components
- Comply with Australian regulations
It's easy to apply for an air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic apprenticeship through MEGT’s Job Board.
- Check out the MEGT Job Board in the top right-hand corner of our website.
- Search for ‘air conditioning apprenticeship’ on the Job Board.
- Apply online – send your resume and cover letter directly to employers.
- Polish up the interview skills and land a job as an apprentice!
After finishing your four-year apprenticeship and Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, you’ll be fully qualified to work as an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic.
Once you’ve gained some experience, you can upskill with further study and specialise in different areas.
Certificate II refers to a nationally recognised qualification that prepares you for the workplace or academic studies. While it’s not required, it may help you to prepare for a Certificate III.
Ready to start your air conditioning and refrigeration apprenticeship?
Why do an apprenticeship?
Earn while you learn
Get paid while you gain hands-on experience with your host employer
Combine theory and practice
Get classroom learning like TAFE to get the right mix of practical skills and theory
Get set up for success
Receive ongoing training, guidance, and supervision to help you succeed in your new job
Work with a mentor
Take advantage of our mentoring support service for the best apprenticeship outcome
Find out about financial support
There’s financial support available for apprentices and trainees to help you get through.