Progress your career in refrigeration and air-conditioning with this apprenticeship course. Become a qualified air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanic and apply for your Restricted Electrical Licence and Full Refrigeration Handling Licence.
UEE32211 Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration
Get qualified through your apprenticeship as an air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic and become eligible for your Restricted Electrical Licence and full Refrigerant Handling Licence.
Job prospects for refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics are strong, with up to 25,000 openings expected over the next five years. As more home and businesses rely on cooling systems, your skills will be needed for installation as well as maintenance and repair work.
In this course you will learn to select components and install, test, fault find, repair and maintain refrigeration systems and equipment for food storage and preservation. You'll also learn to apply these skills for air-conditioning and air distribution equipment for buildings and premises. The course covers the regulatory requirements for purchasing and handling refrigerants. Our trade teachers and tutors will help you understand the theoretical and practical aspects of your course to support your success.
Successful completion of this qualification will allow you to become a trade-qualified refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic and apply for your Restricted Electrical Licence and full Refrigerant Handling Licence.
If you can demonstrate substantial competency in this qualification, you may be able to access funding for recognition of prior learning and gap training through the Trade Skills and Assessment Gap Training (TSAGT) program. TAFE Queensland is a proud recipient of funding from the Queensland Government, Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT) for this program. Only eligible participants may receive funding for eligible courses. Learn more about eligibility criteria.
With over $20 million invested in our electrical training facilities and teachers who remain embedded in industry, we deliver the quality training that our clients deserve and expect from the largest provider of training for the electrotechnology sector in Queensland.
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core units listed below, plus a combination of elective units with a total value of 60 points. Please note, elective units have various points values. Elective units will be selected in consultation with your employer and included on your training plan.
UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
---|---|---|
UEENEEC025BParticipate in refrigeration and air conditioning work and competency development activitiesUnit code: UEENEEC025B Unit description: This unit covers the application of industry/enterprise policies in actively participating in work activities and in one's own competency development. It complies with established industry/enterprise procedures regarding how work is conducted, understanding responsibilities and obligations under competency development plan, following activities for developing competency, self-monitoring competency development and meeting trainee obligations for periodic reporting of competency development activities. |
Participate in refrigeration and air conditioning work and competency development activities | |
UEENEEE101AApply Occupational Health and Safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplaceUnit code: UEENEEE101A Unit description: This unit specifies the mandatory requirements of occupational health and safety and how they apply to the various electrotechnology work functions. It encompasses responsibilities for health and safety, risk management processes at all operative levels and adherence to safety practices as part of the normal way of doing work. |
Apply Occupational Health and Safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace | |
UEENEEE102AFabricate, assemble and dismantle utilities industry componentsUnit code: UEENEEE102A Unit description: This unit covers basic fitting and fabrication techniques as they apply in the various utilities industry work functions. It encompasses the safe use of hand, fixed and portable power tools; cutting, shaping joining and fixing using metallic and non-metallic materials; dismantling and assembling equipment; basic mechanical measurement and marking-out and reading drawings/diagrams. |
Fabricate, assemble and dismantle utilities industry components | |
UEENEEE103ASolve problems in ELV single path circuitsUnit code: UEENEEE103A Unit description: This unit covers providing known solutions to predictable problems in single path circuits operated at extra-low voltage (ELV) as they apply to various energy sector work functions. It encompasses working safely, problem solving procedures, including the use of basic voltage, current and resistance measuring devices, providing known solutions to predictable circuit problems. |
Solve problems in ELV single path circuits | |
UEENEEE105AFix and secure electrotechnology equipmentUnit code: UEENEEE105A Unit description: This unit covers fixing, securing and mounting techniques as apply in the various electrotechnology work functions. It encompasses the safe use of hand and portable power tools, safe lifting techniques, safe use of ladders and elevated platforms and the selection and safe application of fixing devices and supporting accessories/equipment. |
Fix and secure electrotechnology equipment | |
UEENEEE107AUse drawings, diagrams, schedules, standards, codes and specificationsUnit code: UEENEEE107A Unit description: This unit covers the use of drawings, diagrams, cable schedules, standards, codes and specifications as they apply to the various electrotechnology work functions. It encompasses the rudiments for communicating with schematic, wiring and mechanical diagrams and equipment and cable/connection schedules, manuals, site and architectural drawings and plans showing the location of services, apparatus, plant and machinery and understanding the use and format of compliance standards and job specifications. |
Use drawings, diagrams, schedules, standards, codes and specifications | |
UEENEEE137ADocument and apply measures to control OHS risks associated with electrotechnology workUnit code: UEENEEE137A Unit description: This unit covers identifying occupational health and safety hazard and risks and documenting control measures. It encompasses identifying workplace hazards, assigning levels of risk, developing control measures to eliminate and/or mitigate risks, reviewing risk control measures and maintaining documentation of hazards, risk control measures and their application in accordance with compliance procedures. |
Document and apply measures to control OHS risks associated with electrotechnology work | |
UEENEEJ102APrepare and connect refrigerant tubing and fittingsUnit code: UEENEEJ102A Unit description: This unit covers the basic connection of refrigeration and air conditioning piping/tubing and fittings. It encompasses the safe use of hand, fixed and portable power tools for cutting, flaring, bending, swaging, silver brazing copper tube to copper tube, bundy tube and brass and steel fittings, measurement and reading drawings and diagrams. |
Prepare and connect refrigerant tubing and fittings | |
UEENEEJ103AEstablish the basic operating conditions of vapour compression systemsUnit code: UEENEEJ103A Unit description: This unit covers the determination of the operating conditions of vapour compression systems. It encompasses working safely, determining refrigerant pressures and temperatures and relevant air and water temperatures using measurement and basic calculation methods. |
Establish the basic operating conditions of vapour compression systems | |
UEENEEJ104AEstablish the basic operating conditions of air conditioning systemsUnit code: UEENEEJ104A Unit description: This unit covers the determination of basic operating conditions of air conditioning systems. It encompasses working safely, determining air temperature, air flow rates and relative humidity using measurement and basic calculation methods. |
Establish the basic operating conditions of air conditioning systems | |
UEENEEJ106AInstall refrigerant pipe work, flow controls and accessoriesUnit code: UEENEEJ106A Unit description: This unit covers the installation, in buildings and premises, of refrigerant piping/tubing, fittings, flow controls and accessories for refrigeration and air conditioning systems. It encompasses working safely and to installation standards, routing pipe work to specified locations, connecting components and accessories and documenting installation work. |
Install refrigerant pipe work, flow controls and accessories | |
UEENEEJ107AInstall air conditioning and refrigeration systems, major components and associated equipmentUnit code: UEENEEJ107A Unit description: This unit covers the installation of refrigeration and air conditioning systems including unitary equipment, compressors, condensers, evaporators, liquid receivers, pipework, ventilation and air handling (excluding central plant) and associated equipment. It encompasses working safely and to installation standards to match equipment with that specified for a given specification and location, connecting pipe work and components, and complete the necessary installation documentation. |
Install air conditioning and refrigeration systems, major components and associated equipment | |
UEENEEJ108ARecover, pressure test, evacuate, charge and leak test refrigerantsUnit code: UEENEEJ108A Unit description: This unit covers recovery, pressure testing, evacuating, charging and leak testing recovery of refrigerants and lubricants from refrigeration systems and air conditioning systems. It encompasses working safely and to standards, following regulations and industry practices for handling refrigerants and lubricants, and completing the necessary documentation. |
Recover, pressure test, evacuate, charge and leak test refrigerants | |
UEENEEJ109AVerify functionality and compliance of refrigeration and air conditioning installationsUnit code: UEENEEJ109A Unit description: This unit covers testing and visual inspection for verifying that a refrigeration and air conditioning system and components are safe, comply with requirements and functions as intended. It encompasses working safely, conducting compliance tests, conducting visual inspections, identifying non-compliance defects and mandatory reporting requirements. |
Verify functionality and compliance of refrigeration and air conditioning installations | |
UEENEEJ110ASelect refrigerant piping, accessories and associated controlsUnit code: UEENEEJ110A Unit description: This unit covers the selection of refrigerant piping, accessories and controls for refrigeration and air conditioning installations to comply with regulations, standards and specifications. It encompasses developing refrigerant pipe work arrangements, selecting pipe work and fittings, refrigerant flow controls and accessories, and mechanical and electrical control devices based on specifications, standards and manufacturer catalogues to determine calculated and deemed to comply solutions and documenting all selection information. |
Select refrigerant piping, accessories and associated controls | |
UEENEEJ111ADiagnose and rectify faults in air conditioning and refrigeration systems and componentsUnit code: UEENEEJ111A Unit description: This unit covers diagnosing, repairing faults and replacing faulty components in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, components, interconnecting circuits and equipment operating at voltages up to 1,000 V a.c. It encompasses working safely, reading electrical circuit diagrams, refrigeration, hydronic and air distribution system diagrams and manufacturers reference material, sketching diagrams from traced wiring and piping systems, applying logical fault finding procedures, conducting repairs, replacing components and completing the necessary service documentation. |
Diagnose and rectify faults in air conditioning and refrigeration systems and components | |
UEENEEJ113ACommission air conditioning and refrigeration systemsUnit code: UEENEEJ113A Unit description: This unit covers commissioning of refrigeration and air conditioning systems. It encompasses working safely and to standards to commission the whole system and includes pre-commissioning tests, starting up the system, optimizing the refrigerant charge, basic air and water balancing and adjustment, checking and adjusting components and controls to ensure its efficient and balanced operation, and completing commissioning documentation. |
Commission air conditioning and refrigeration systems | |
UEENEEJ153AFind and rectify faults in motors and associated controls in refrigeration and air conditioning systUnit code: UEENEEJ153A Unit description: This unit covers finding and repairing faults in motors and associated controls in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. It encompasses working safely, applying knowledge of motor systems and their controls, reading circuit diagrams, sketching diagrams from traced circuits, applying logical fault finding procedures, conducting repairs and completing the necessary service documentation. |
Find and rectify faults in motors and associated controls in refrigeration and air conditioning syst | |
UEENEEJ170ADiagnose and rectify faults in air conditioning and refrigeration control systemsUnit code: UEENEEJ170A Unit description: This unit covers diagnosing, repairing faults and replacing faulty components in refrigeration and air conditioning control systems, components, interconnecting circuits and equipment operating at voltages up to 1000 V a.c. It encompasses working safely, reading circuit diagrams, system diagrams and manufacturers reference material, sketching diagrams from traced wiring, applying logical fault finding procedures, conducting repairs, replacing components and completing the necessary service documentation. |
Diagnose and rectify faults in air conditioning and refrigeration control systems | |
UEENEEJ194ASolve problems in low voltage refrigeration circuitsUnit code: UEENEEJ194A Unit description: This unit covers determining correct operation of low voltage d.c. and a.c. circuits and providing solutions as they apply to refrigeration work functions. It encompasses working safely, problem solving procedures, including the use of voltage, current and resistance measuring devices, providing solutions derived from measurements and calculations to predictable problems in single and multiple path circuits. |
Solve problems in low voltage refrigeration circuits | |
UEENEEK142AApply environmentally and sustainable procedures in the energy sectorUnit code: UEENEEK142A Unit description: This competency standard unit requires the worker to undertake methods of work practice that minimises energy and material usage and to seek energy reduction strategies in the energy sector workplace. The unit seeks to minimise negative impacts on the environment. |
Apply environmentally and sustainable procedures in the energy sector | |
UEENEEP012ADisconnect/reconnect composite appliances connected to low voltage installation wiringUnit code: UEENEEP012A Unit description: This unit covers disconnecting and reconnecting composite appliances connected to low voltage installation wiring. This may be incidental to or a primary and regular function of work related to a principle work function. It encompasses working safely, identifying supply arrangements, following isolation procedures, selecting and using testing and measuring devices, terminating and connecting cables and conductors, safely testing and reporting. The unit coverage excludes disconnecting or reconnecting circuits at a switchboard or to general electrical accessories (including switches, socket outlets, circuit protective devices etc); or installation of or alteration to any part of the fixed electrical wiring system (defined as electrical installing work).
|
Disconnect/reconnect composite appliances connected to low voltage installation wiring | |
UEENEEP017ALocate and rectify faults in low voltage composite appliances using set proceduresUnit code: UEENEEP017A Unit description: This unit covers locating and rectifying fault(s) in composite appliances intended to operate to a connected supply up to 1,000 volts a.c. or 1,500 volts d.c. This may be incidental to or a primary and regular function in the workplace. It encompasses following prescribed procedures, working safely, reading circuit diagrams, isolation procedures, identifying faults according to procedures, identifying like for like replacement/repair components according to procedures, selecting and using testing and measuring devices, terminating and connecting cables and conductors, safety testing and reporting. |
Locate and rectify faults in low voltage composite appliances using set procedures | |
UEENEEP024AAttach cords and plugs to electrical equipment for connection to a single phase 230V supplyUnit code: UEENEEP024A Unit description: This unit covers attaching flexible cords and plugs to electrical equipment for connection to supplies up to 230V a.c. This may be incidental to or a primary and regular function of work related to a principle function in the workplace. It encompasses working safely, identifying plug configurations, selecting and using testing and measuring devices, terminating and connecting cords/plugs and conductors, safety testing and reporting. |
Attach cords and plugs to electrical equipment for connection to a single phase 230V supply | |
UEENEEP025AAttach cords, cables and plugs to electrical equipment for connection to 1000V a.c. or 1500V d.c. supplyUnit code: UEENEEP025A Unit description: This unit covers attaching flexible cords, cables and plugs to electrical equipment connected to a supply up to 1,000V a.c. or 1,500V d.c. This may be incidental to or a primary and regular function of work related to a principle function in the workplace. It encompasses working safely, identifying plug configurations, selecting and using testing and measuring devices, terminating and connecting flexible cords/plugs and conductors, safety testing and reporting. |
Attach cords, cables and plugs to electrical equipment for connection to 1000V a.c. or 1500V d.c. supply |
UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
---|---|---|
UEENEED101AUse computer applications relevant to a workplaceUnit code: UEENEED101A Unit description: This unit covers the basic use of personal computers application relevant to a work function. It encompasses switching the computer on, applying user preferences, selecting basic applications, entering and retrieving information and printing files. |
Use computer applications relevant to a workplace | |
UEENEEE009BComply with scheduled and preventative maintenance program processesUnit code: UEENEEE009B Unit description: This unit covers the quality assurance and risk management compliance processes for maintenance of the electrotechnology aspects of plant and equipment. It encompasses working safely and to technical, quality and riskmanagement standards, work specifications and maintenance schedules, sample inspections, evaluating components and completing the necessary maintenance documentation. |
Comply with scheduled and preventative maintenance program processes | |
UEENEEI150ADevelop, enter and verify discrete control programs for programmable controllersUnit code: UEENEEI150A Unit description: This unit covers development, installation and testing of programs for programmable controllers (PLC) for a system requiring discrete control functions. |
Develop, enter and verify discrete control programs for programmable controllers | |
UEENEEJ119AResolve problems in ice making systemsUnit code: UEENEEJ119A Unit description: This unit covers resolving problems in ice making systems. It encompasses working safely and to standards, applying knowledge of the components and operation of ice making systems, using effective problem resolving techniques and documenting solutions. |
Resolve problems in ice making systems | |
UEENEEJ167AResolve problems in central plant air conditioning systemsUnit code: UEENEEJ167A Unit description: This unit covers resolving problems in central plant air conditioning systems. It encompasses working safely and to standards, applying knowledge of the components and operation of central plant systems, using effective problem solving techniques and documenting solutions. |
Resolve problems in central plant air conditioning systems | |
UEENEEJ174AApply safety awareness and legal requirements for hydrocarbon refrigerantsUnit code: UEENEEJ174A Unit description: This unit covers the safety and legal requirements to handle, use and store hydrocarbon refrigerants. All safety aspects are covered to Australian and International standards. Legal requirements are covered at local, State & National level. |
Apply safety awareness and legal requirements for hydrocarbon refrigerants | |
UEENEEJ175AService and repair self contained hydrocarbon air conditioning and refrigeration systemsUnit code: UEENEEJ175A Unit description: This unit covers specialised procedures for servicing and repairs to achieve the effective and efficient operation of primarily self contained air conditioning and refrigeration equipment using Hydrocarbon as the refrigerant. It reinforces safe working practice and encompasses applying specialised knowledge of refrigeration principles that apply to Hydrocarbon, following service manuals, testing, locating and rectifying faults and defective components and completing the necessary service documentation. |
Service and repair self contained hydrocarbon air conditioning and refrigeration systems | |
UEENEEJ178AApply safety awareness and legal requirements for ammonia refrigerantUnit code: UEENEEJ178A Unit description: This unit covers the safety and legal requirements to handle, use and store Ammonia refrigerant. All safety aspects are covered to Australian and International standards. Legal requirements are covered at local, State & National level. |
Apply safety awareness and legal requirements for ammonia refrigerant |
Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.
At TAFE Queensland, we understand that employers need options and flexibility in employee training. We are committed to delivering the flexible training plans you need to get the job done. Choose from workplace training, block training, drop in days, mobile training, day release, or a mix of all these options. Learn more
Campus | Apprenticeship / Traineeship | Delivery Mode
![]() The way your training is delivered. |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Workplace
![]() Train and be assessed in your current workplace. |
DROP IN DAYS
![]() Train with a teacher at a TAFE Queensland facility without an appointment. |
BLOCK TRAINING
![]() Flexible training offered in blocks ranging from three days to six weeks. |
DAY RELEASE
![]() Weekly scheduled training at a TAFE Queensland facility, planned in advance. |
MOBILE VAN
![]() Training undertaken at your workplace with TAFE Queensland tools and equipment. |
Mixed mode
![]() A combination of two or more delivery modes. |
||
Cairns | Apprenticeship | ||||||
Townsville (Trade Training Centre Bohle) | Apprenticeship |
Campus | Apprenticeship / Traineeship | Delivery Mode
![]() The way your training is delivered. |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Workplace
![]() Train and be assessed in your current workplace. |
DROP IN DAYS
![]() Train with a teacher at a TAFE Queensland facility without an appointment. |
BLOCK TRAINING
![]() Flexible training offered in blocks ranging from three days to six weeks. |
DAY RELEASE
![]() Weekly scheduled training at a TAFE Queensland facility, planned in advance. |
MOBILE VAN
![]() Training undertaken at your workplace with TAFE Queensland tools and equipment. |
Mixed mode
![]() A combination of two or more delivery modes. |
||
Bracken Ridge | Apprenticeship | ||||||
Acacia Ridge | Apprenticeship |
Campus | Apprenticeship / Traineeship | Delivery Mode
![]() The way your training is delivered. |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Workplace
![]() Train and be assessed in your current workplace. |
DROP IN DAYS
![]() Train with a teacher at a TAFE Queensland facility without an appointment. |
BLOCK TRAINING
![]() Flexible training offered in blocks ranging from three days to six weeks. |
DAY RELEASE
![]() Weekly scheduled training at a TAFE Queensland facility, planned in advance. |
MOBILE VAN
![]() Training undertaken at your workplace with TAFE Queensland tools and equipment. |
Mixed mode
![]() A combination of two or more delivery modes. |
||
Nambour | Apprenticeship |
Campus | Apprenticeship / Traineeship | Delivery Mode
![]() The way your training is delivered. |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Workplace
![]() Train and be assessed in your current workplace. |
DROP IN DAYS
![]() Train with a teacher at a TAFE Queensland facility without an appointment. |
BLOCK TRAINING
![]() Flexible training offered in blocks ranging from three days to six weeks. |
DAY RELEASE
![]() Weekly scheduled training at a TAFE Queensland facility, planned in advance. |
MOBILE VAN
![]() Training undertaken at your workplace with TAFE Queensland tools and equipment. |
Mixed mode
![]() A combination of two or more delivery modes. |
||
Ashmore | Apprenticeship |
You must already be employed to enrol as an apprentice or trainee with TAFE Queensland. Speak to your employer about choosing TAFE Queensland as your Supervising Registered Training Organisation (SRTO).
Eligible apprentices and trainees that meet the Queensland state funding requirements will be charged a set fee per nominal hour. These fees are calculated at a regulated rate of $1.60 per nominal hour. Concession rates apply for students who hold a current Health Care Card or who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Non-funded apprentices and trainees will be charged a fee for service cost. These will be confirmed prior to the commencement of training.
Information regarding costs will be outlined on the agreed training plan, which will be provided to the employer and apprentice or trainee at time of induction.
Find out how we can tailor a training package specifically for you.
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathwaysNo matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what's right for you, get in touch. We're here to help.
This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
To study an apprenticeship or traineeship program you must be indentured as an apprentice or trainee with your employer.
Employers need to be able to provide the necessary human and physical resources to qualify for an apprentice.
You are responsible for meeting the minimum occupational health and safety requirements in practical classes. This includes the use of safety glasses, protective footwear with covered uppers, steel capped toes and non-slip soles to AS2210, leather gloves to AS2161, and hair protection. You should also wear 100% cotton drill industry-standard clothing.
If you fail to meet these minimum standards of dress, you will not be permitted entry into practical classes.
Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.
Disclaimer
All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.
If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.
Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. Getting recognition for the skills you've gained from the workplace or previous learning means less study time for you, and getting the paper to prove you're qualified a whole lot sooner. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.
If you have read and understood the student rules, refund policy, understand your fees and payment options, have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and checked you meet the entry requirements and selection criteria for this course, you're ready to get started.
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathways