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Refrigeration/Air-conditioning Technician

Kaihangarau Pūrere Whakamātao

Refrigeration/air-conditioning technicians install, service and maintain refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.

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Secondary education

No specific secondary education is required for this job, but maths, physics, digital technologies, construction and mechanical technologies, processing technologies and English to at least NCEA Level 2 are useful.

For Year 11 to 13 learners, trades academies and the STAR and Gateway programmes are good ways to gain relevant experience and skills.

These programmes may help you gain an apprenticeship, but do not reduce the amount of time it takes to complete it.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Up to NCEA Level 3
  • Certificate

Useful experience

Useful experience for refrigeration/air-conditioning technicians includes:

  • plumbing and gasfitting
  • work in an engineering workshop
  • electrical work.

What you will do

Refrigeration/air-conditioning technicians may do some or all of the following:

  • advise clients on different refrigeration/air-conditioning systems
  • install refrigeration/air-conditioning systems
  • test, adjust and balance systems to make sure they work properly
  • check refrigeration/air-conditioning systems for faults and repair them
  • manage and supervise less experienced refrigeration/air-conditioning technicians.

Skills and knowledge

Refrigeration/air-conditioning technicians need to have knowledge of:

  • mechanical and electrical systems
  • how gases behave at different pressures and temperatures
  • basic physics and chemistry
  • the advantages and disadvantages of different refrigeration/air-conditioning systems
  • how to interpret building plans and technical drawings.
Pay

Qualified refrigeration/air-conditioning technicians usually earn

$50K-$95K

per year

Job opportunities
Good
Chances of getting a job as a refrigeration/air-conditioning technician are good due to a shortage of workers.
Length of training
0-4
years of training usually required.

Industry

Maintenance and Repair

Refrigeration/air-conditioning technicians install, service and maintain refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

There are no specific requirements to become a refrigeration/air-conditioning technician as you gain skills on the job. However, many employers prefer to hire refrigeration/air-conditioning technicians who have or are working towards a qualification.

To become a fully qualified refrigeration/air-conditioning technician you need to complete an apprenticeship and gain a New Zealand Certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning – Trade (Level 4).  Competenz oversees refrigeration/air-conditioning apprenticeships.

Most refrigeration/air-conditioning technicians also need a driver's license.

Chances of getting a job

Refrigeration/air-conditioning technicians are in demand because not enough people are being trained to meet the demand for workers.

According to the Census, 1,485 refrigeration/air-conditioning technicians worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Refrigeration/air-conditioning technician on skill shortage list

Refrigeration/air-conditioning technician appears on Immigration New Zealand's construction and infrastructure skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled refrigeration/air-conditioning technicians from overseas to work in New Zealand.

Types of employers varied

Most refrigeration/air-conditioning technicians are self-employed, or work for private companies specialising in the sale, design, installation and maintenance of refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.

Find out more about training

Competenz
0800 526 1800 - info@competenz.org.nz - www.competenz.org.nz
Institute of Refrigeration, Heating & Air Conditioning Engineers (IRHACE)
(09) 273 0044 - www.irhace.org.nz

Progression and specialisations

Refrigeration/air-conditioning technicians may progress to set up their own refrigeration or air-conditioning business.

They may specialise in either refrigeration or air-conditioning systems.

Working conditions

Refrigeration/air-conditioning technicians:

  • may work more than 40 hours a week, including evenings and weekends 
  • may work shifts
  • work indoors and outdoors on commercial and residential sites
  • may work in confined spaces or at heights
  • may travel to work on projects.

Physical Requirements

Refrigeration/air-conditioning technicians need to have a good level of fitness and be strong as they may need to carry heavy tools and equipment.

Useful personal qualities

Refrigeration/air-conditioning technicians need to be:

  • able to work accurately with their hands
  • good problem solvers
  • able to follow health and safety guidelines
  • good at making calculations and problem solving
  • comfortable working in enclosed spaces and at heights.

Industry

Maintenance and Repair

Refrigeration/air-conditioning technicians install, service and maintain refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.

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