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- Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
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OverviewAbout this course
Gain specialist skills in a high demand area and become a qualified air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic. Successfully completing this course allows you to apply for a Restricted Electrical Licence and full Refrigeration Handling Licence.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learning outcomes
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
install new refrigeration and air conditioning systems
find and repair faults in refrigeration and air conditioning systems
develop experience with the equipment used across the residential and commercial sectors of the industry
dismantle and re-assemble mechanical components
produce drawings of electrical and mechanical circuits.
Course outcomes
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
Experience in working on residential and commercial air conditioning systems.
The ability to work on commercial cool-room and freezer room systems.
Become eligible for a NSW Fair Trading Refrigeration and Restricted Electrical licence and full Refrigeration Handling Licence.
Build a strong pathway to continue your study and enhance your career opportunities.
Experience working in a team.
SuitabilityIs this course right for you?
Entry requirements
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol.
Apprenticeship
Be employed as an apprentice in the industry
Register with an Apprenticeship Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) who will support your application
Non-apprenticeship
Non-apprenticeship pathways for trade-related qualifications allow you to have your industry skills assessed through recognition of prior learning (RPL) and undertake gap training to gain a trade qualification. To take this course as a non-apprenticeship, you must:
Be at least 21 years of age, as evidenced by photo identification
Have at least 2 years of work experience in this occupation or trade, as evidenced by employee records such as your resume and/or letters from your employers
Be currently employed in the relevant industry, as evidenced by a letter from your employer
Completion requirements
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
your Refrigerant Handling Licence.
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
an interest in how mechanical and electrical machines work
a reasonable level of fitness to use hand and power tools
the ability to work in confined spaces or at heights
reading, writing and maths skills at Year 10 or equivalent level.
We tailor our courses to meet local community needs, so some campuses may have extra entry requirements. Check your preferred location for details. Need help preparing? Contact us for support.
Find Your Fit
This simple tool guides you to a suitable course level based on your foundation skills and confidence.
PathwaysFuture career and study options
Career pathways
Our graduates go onto roles like:
Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic
Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics assemble, install, maintain and repair industrial, commercial and domestic airconditioning and refrigeration systems and equipment.
Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).
93%
Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.
10,000 workers
Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.
35 years
Weekly pay Median earnings are shown for full-time, non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, before tax or any amounts that are salary sacrificed. These figures are a guide to earnings only and should not be used to determine a wage rate.
$1,200
Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.
43 hours
Skill level rating Skill level ratings are based on the range and complexity of job roles. In general, the higher the skill level, the more formal education and training, previous experience or on-the-job training needed to be good at the job.
Medium
Gender share
1% female
Future growth The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business estimates the likely change in number of workers in this role, or industry, over the next 5 years. Future growth is the likely percentage change compared to all other job roles.
Moderate Growth
Other jobs include: air conditioning technician and refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic.
Licensing
A Refrigerant Handling Licence must be held by any person who carries out work in relation to refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) equipment. Visit the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARCtick) website for more information. The NSW RAC Occupational Licence meets NSW regulatory requirements for individuals undertaking work related to refrigeration and air conditioning. Visit NSW Fair Trading for more information. The Restricted Electrical Occupation Licence – with the core Restricted Electrical units – meets NSW electrical regulatory requirements for related restricted electrical work. Visit NSW Fair Trading for more information.
Study pathways
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Previous study0 Courses
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
The Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration does not have any pre-requisite courses.
Further study1 Course
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Related study0 Courses
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
The Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration does not have any related courses.
Your experience counts
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
UnitsUnits taught in this course
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 35 units of competency, including 27 core and 8 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units - 0
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
TAFE NSW servicesFacilities and support
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
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