Building a career in HVAC&R

Our trade has a new Level 5 qualification to better upskill the workforce in an area essential to our daily lives

The HVAC&R sector is essential to various aspects of our day-to-day, and the economy. With its rapid growth, the demand for skilled professionals in refrigeration engineering is crucial to support the New Zealand economy.

HVAC&R Centre works hard to encourage new apprentices into the industry and assist with the development of those already qualified.

HVAC&R qualifications in New Zealand

Air Conditioning Installation (Level 4)

Air conditioning technicians need to have a good fitness level and be strong as they may need to carry heavy tools and equipment. Qualified air conditioning technicians must be registered and licensed with the Electrical Workers Registration Board. This qualification programme focuses on the types of commercial and residential units commonly installed, including ducted systems and variable refrigerant flow units. Installation covers the requirements of seismic restraints, passive fire, and retaining the structural integrity of buildings, among others.

Air Conditioning Installation Level 4 is a two-year certificate worth 140 credits.

New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Building Services, Trade (Level 4)

Mechanical building services engineers install and maintain the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and environmental control systems used in offices, hospitals, supermarkets and other businesses. You can either train through an on-the-job apprentice or tertiary institutes and are likely to work in a variety of locations.

Mechanical service systems may include environmental control systems; air conditioning and heating systems; specialist ventilation and fluid conveyancing systems; non-potable water systems; and medical and laboratory gas systems.

This qualification is a Level 4 certificate worth 280 credits.

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

Entry to this course is open, however, it is recommended candidates hold the National Certificate in Educational Achievement (Level 2). The purpose of this qualification is to provide the HVAC industry with skilled tradespeople who can independently install, maintain, service and commission plant and equipment to industry standards.

The certificate is Level 4, worth 280 credits.

New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering, Advanced (Level 5)

This qualification is designed for people who have already completed a mechanical engineering-related Level 4 trade qualification and wish to further develop their technical and/or operational knowledge and skills within their chosen discipline of mechanical engineering, construction, manufacturing, fabrication, refrigeration and air conditioning, and mechanical building services.

The programme is Level 5, worth 70 credits, and can lead to the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Level 6) with strands in civil engineering, electrical engineering, electronics engineering, mechanical engineering, and fire engineering.