How to study and become a qualified HVAC&R professional

How to study and become a qualified HVAC&R professional

Are you considering a career in HVAC&R, or would like to upskill? Here’s how to become a skilled air conditioning and refrigeration professional in New Zealand

When Cam Crawford left high school as a teenager, he was unsure what he wanted to do as a career. But it was an apprenticeship that set him on the path to success, and he now runs a multi-million-dollar company servicing New Zealand’s refrigeration, air-conditioning and mechanical building services industry.

“My father said to me, 'get a job or else” so I got an apprenticeship in refrigeration, and it’s the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Cam completed his apprenticeship with Carrier Air Conditioning and worked in the Middle East and the UK before setting up Chillex Group in 1995.

“My apprenticeship got me back on the rails, so I’ve always been pretty passionate about training the next generation.”

Cam is a strong advocate for workplace training and currently employees mechanical building services apprentices and refrigeration apprentices. Chillex has invested heavily in an ongoing apprenticeship-based training programme and Cam believes making a serious commitment to constantly improving staff skill levels benefits his clients and the industry.

Chillex is a member of the Climate Control Companies Association New Zealand (CCCANZ) and through this has developed a close relationship with Competenz. Cam encourages other businesses to work through CCCANZ and reach out to Competenz.

“Just keep the communication lines open and go in with an open mind.”

Jack Butler (right) with Competenz Representative.

Whether you’re already actively working or intending to work in the heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration field, there are plenty of ways to learn and improve your knowledge.

NZ Certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Trade Assistant (Level 3)

This is an entry level qualification designed for people already working in the industry or people intending to enter the industry as a Trade Assistant. Graduates will be able to perform limited assembly, installation and maintenance functions under the supervision of a qualified tradesperson.

NZ Certificate in Air Conditioning Installation (Level 4)

This qualification is designed for individuals already working within the industry, interested in gaining a credential that will enhance their employment opportunities or people in allied trades such as electrical and plumbing who wish to enter the HVAC&R industry. They will be able to independently install air conditioning systems (up to 50kW nominal cooling) and work with synthetic refrigerants, which include Hydrofluro-Olefins (HFOs) and follow manufacturers’ specifications and industry best practices.

NZ Certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Trade (Level 4)

RAC plant and equipment may include: commercial air conditioning plant found in multi-story buildings; commercial refrigeration equipment similar to that found in a supermarket; domestic refrigerators; heat/energy recovery units; industrial single or multi-staged refrigeration and air conditioning systems; or temperature and environmental control equipment in the food processing industry.

NZ Certificate in Mechanical Building Services, Trade (Level 4)

Apprenticeships in environmental control, air conditioning and heating, specialist ventilation and fluid conveyancing, non-potable water, medical and laboratory gas systems.

NZ Certificate in Mechanical Engineering, Trade (Level 4)

The purpose of this qualification is to provide the construction and infrastructure sectors with skilled tradespeople who are able to safely and independently fabricate, assemble, install, commission, and maintain mechanical service systems.

RLNZ also has a range of courses for HVAC&R professionals looking to upskill and contribute to their Continued Professional Development:

• A1 Approved Fillers Theory and Practical Course

• A2/A2L Approved Filler Theory and Practical Course

• Refrigerant Approved Fillers Calculations

• A3 Refrigerant Awareness