Start your Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Apprenticeship with ATEC Group Training

ATEC Group Training offers a training pathway to this qualification, by managing apprenticeship recruitment, training, and employment arrangements. Comprehensive support to both apprentices and their host employers is provided under this arrangement.

ATEC Group Training Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Apprenticeships are designed to meet industry standards and the needs of both apprentices and host employers. During a four-year apprenticeship, apprentices gain valuable practical and hands-on skills with a reputable host employer. ATEC Group Training also coordinates academic training provided by a trusted third-party Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Training covers key skills such as system installation, troubleshooting, refrigerant management, and electrical safety. The curriculum is tailored to meet the UEE32220 - Certificate III competency requirements in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, equipping apprentices with essential knowledge and practical skills to excel in their roles.

ATEC Group Training works with a broad network of host employers, matching apprentices with placements that align with their career interests and goals. This gives air conditioning and refrigeration apprentices exposure to a range of tasks within the trade, from residential air conditioning installation to maintaining large commercial and industrial cooling systems. Host employers benefit from the support of skilled apprentices who contribute to their operations while gaining essential hands-on experience.

ATEC Group Training takes on the official role of employer for the apprentice. This arrangement removes much of the administrative workload from the host employer, enabling them to concentrate solely on the practical training provided to the apprentice.

During the four-year Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Apprenticeship, apprentices divide their time between on-the-job learning with a licensed air conditioning and refrigeration technician and off-the-job theory training through a partnering RTO. This blended approach ensures that both parties gain the technical skills and practical understanding required in the trade.

The off-the-job training component allows apprentices to learn the theoretical side of their apprenticeship in a classroom, often combined with workshop practicals or simulated working environments. Meanwhile, the on-the-job training equips apprentices with real-world air conditioning and refrigeration experiences and challenges under the guidance of qualified tradespeople, enabling them to apply what they have learned in real situations.

A major advantage of choosing ATEC Group Training for your apprenticeship is that you’ll be an ATEC employee. This ensures you have ATEC’s continued Field Officer support, to answer any questions, provide support and help keep you on track. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing you’re paid correct wage allowances and entitlements. When you choose a well-established GTO like ATEC with 35 years of training experience, you gain job security that few employers can match. Here’s what makes ATEC’s Group Training apprenticeship program a strong choice for aspiring tradespeople:

• Real-World Practical Training: Apprentices learn directly from skilled tradespeople, gaining practical experience in a range of air conditioning and refrigeration work, including installation, maintenance, and diagnostic skills critical to the role.
• Guidance and Mentorship: Throughout the air conditioning and refrigeration apprenticeship, apprentices benefit from the guidance of qualified professionals who impart valuable industry insights, techniques, and safety practices. ATEC’s GTO also assigns each apprentice with a dedicated Field Officer throughout their apprenticeship.
• Nationally Recognised Qualification: Successful completion of the apprenticeship leads to Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, a qualification that is recognised throughout Australia and valued across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
• Career Stability: Many apprentices receive full-time job offers from their host employers upon completing the program, providing stability and opportunities for career advancement.
• Earn While You Learn: Apprentices earn a steady income throughout the program, gaining both practical skills and financial independence as they work towards their certification.
• Pursuit of Excellence: ATEC’s core value of continually pursuing excellence is instilled across all aspects of ATEC Group Training services.

ATEC Group Training supports apprentices and offers essential assistance to host employers by managing the employment and administrative details of the apprenticeship. This allows host employers to concentrate fully on practical training. Key support services for host employers include:

• Administrative Efficiency: ATEC Group Training manages payroll, insurance, and regulatory compliance, relieving host employers of these responsibilities so they can focus on hands-on training.
• Flexible Placement Options: ATEC Group Training’s flexible placement options give employers access to a steady stream of apprentices, allowing them to adjust placement durations and specialisations to meet their operational needs.
• Ongoing Support and Monitoring: ATEC Group Training provides continuous oversight of the apprenticeship process, monitoring each apprentice’s progress and addressing any challenges to ensure the training meets industry standards and apprentice needs.

1. Register your interest on the ATEC website: Once you submit a registration of interest with ATEC Group Training, you’ll be contacted to provide a resume and potentially arrange an interview.
2. Finding an Apprenticeship Placement: If your interview is successful, ATEC Group Training will match you with a suitable host employer based on your skills, interests, and career goals.
3. Signing a Training Contract: A formal training contract outlines the apprentice’s obligations and the employer's responsibilities. This ensures that both parties are committed to the program's success.
4. Commencing Training: Apprentices begin their dual training, splitting time between on-the-job training with their host employer and attending courses provided by a third-party RTO to cover the academic aspects.
5. Gaining Certification: After completing the four-year apprenticeship and fulfilling all requirements, apprentices earn their Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32220).

After successfully completing all required training and practical components, you will have a UEE32220 - Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration qualification. This qualification covers competencies to select components, install, set up, test, fault find, repair and maintain refrigeration systems and equipment that apply to food storage and preservation, and air conditioning and air distribution equipment in buildings and premises. It includes regulatory requirements for purchasing and handling refrigerants. This certification confirms that they have mastered essential skills, including:

• Install refrigeration equipment
• Decommission and commission refrigeration systems
• Install air conditioning systems
• Install and repair electrical controls and equipment

This qualification opens up diverse career opportunities across sectors such as construction, building management, and specialised industrial applications, giving apprentices the flexibility to pursue roles aligned with their interests and career goals.

An Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Apprenticeship with ATEC Group Training provides an ideal start for anyone interested in a skilled trade with high demand and rewarding opportunities. With ATEC’s support, apprentices receive comprehensive training, mentorship, and a pathway to a fulfilling career as qualified mechanics in the industry. Whether you’re aiming to work in residential installation or industrial system management, ATEC’s air conditioning and refrigeration apprenticeship program sets you on the path to success.

Register your interest in an  Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Apprenticeship now by clicking on the Expression of Interest Form.