About Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic

Working as a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic you would select components, install, set up, test, fault find, repair and maintain refrigeration systems and equipment that apply to food storage and preservation, air conditioning and air distribution equipment in buildings and premises.

The training

To become a trade certified Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic, you generally complete an apprenticeship which results in a Certificate III in Refrigeration & Air Conditioning. The apprenticeship usually takes 48 months to complete.

The apprenticeship program features on the job training under the supervision of a qualified Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic and off the job training at a registered training provider such as a WA TAFE college.

Skills you will learn

During the training program to become a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic, you will learn practical skills and underpinning knowledge. A training program will be created for you that will include such competencies as how to:

• Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace

• Document and apply measures to control WHS risks associated with electrotechnology work

• Fabricate, assemble and dismantle utilities industry components

• Fix and secure electrotechnology equipment

• Solve problems in ELV single path circuits

• Use drawings, diagrams, schedules, standards, codes and specifications

• Participate in refrigeration and air conditioning work and competency development activities

• Diagnose and rectify faults in air conditioning and refrigeration control systems

• Establish the basic operating conditions of air conditioning systems

• Establish the basic operating conditions of vapour compression systems

• Find and rectify faults in single phase motors and associated controls

• Find and rectify faults in three phase motors and associated controls

• Install refrigerant pipe work, flow controls and accessories

• Install, commission, service and maintain air conditioning systems

• Install, commission, service and maintain low temperature systems

• Install, commission, service and maintain medium temperature systems

• Prepare and connect refrigerant tubing and fittings

• Recover and charge refrigerants

• Safely handle refrigerants and lubricants

• Select refrigerant piping, accessories and associated controls

• Solve problems in low voltage refrigeration and air conditioning circuits

• Verify functionality and compliance of refrigeration and air conditioning installations

• Apply environmentally and sustainable procedures in the energy sector

• Attach cords and plugs to electrical equipment for connection to a single phase 230 Volt supply

• Attach cords, cables and plugs to electrical equipment for connection to 1000 V a.c. or 1500 V d.c.

• Disconnect - reconnect electrical equipment connected to low voltage (LV) installation wiring

• Locate and rectify faults in low voltage (LV) electrical equipment using set procedures

• Maintain microbial control of refrigeration and air conditioning systems

• Resolve problems in beverage dispensers

• Resolve problems in central plant air conditioning systems

• Resolve problems in industrial refrigeration systems

• Resolve problems in post-mix refrigeration systems

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Career Pathway Examples for Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic

Please note that programs can vary to some degree and this list is an example only.