AN UPDATE ON HVAC&R INDUSTRY LICENSING

In 2019, cabinet decided that a new licensing system should be introduced for refrigeration, heat pump and air conditioning technicians. This is to be part of a wider licensing system for high-risk work.

The expected date that these regulations were to take affect was in 2023, meaning technicians would need to be licensed in 2027, with licenses needing to be renewed every 5 years. The latest update from MBIE as at 25th September 2023, is that they are working closely with WorkSafe on the final stages of regulations. However, they are currently unable to provide an indication of when the regulations will be made but that this work is continuing. There is a dedicated website for further updates.

Hanga-Aro-Rau (the Manufacturing, Engineering and Logistics Workforce Development Council) is waiting for this legislation to be signed off and at that point an Advisory Group will be able to review the existing standards (Level 4) to meet this legislation. Once the qualifications have been developed, WorkSafe will set the competency requirements for each of the licence types in a Safe Work instrument.

The Advisory Group is made up of experienced people from the HVAC&R industry and the industry associations are involved in this process. Phil Mohan, President of IRHACE says “This has been a long time waiting for this important legislation so that our industry can finally be licensed. The industry associations are actively participating in this process to advocate for the interests of the HVAC&R industry. This process has its challenges and frustrations, but we need to maintain a positive outlook towards achieving the goal of industry licensing. Professionals in this sector should continue to monitor updates from the industry associations for the latest information”.

STAYING INFORMED

IRHACE and CCCANZ commit to keeping the industry updated on any new developments regarding these licensing regulations. Contact admin@irhace.org.nz for queries.