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UEE32220

Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

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.

STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Gold Coast Sunshine Coast Far North Queensland North Queensland
WAYS TO STUDY Apprenticeships and traineeships
NEXT INTAKE Starts anytime View all intakes

Course overview

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.

What can I do?

  • Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic

Course outcome:

UEE32220 Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

Trade skills assessment and gap training program

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.

Free apprenticeships for under 25s

The Queensland government is supporting young Queenslanders up to the age of 25 by providing access to fully subsidised training across a range of priority apprenticeship or traineeship qualifications. Learn more>

What you will study

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 140 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

  • UNIT CODE
  • UEECD0007
    Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace
    UNIT CODE :
    UEECD0007
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to apply work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations and codes of practices in the electrotechnology workplace.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace

  • UNIT CODE
  • UEECD0016
    Document and apply measures to control WHS risks associated with electrotechnology work
    UNIT CODE :
    UEECD0016
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to identify, document and apply work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) hazard and risk control measures associated with electrotechnology work.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    UEECD0007
  • UNIT NAME
  • Document and apply measures to control WHS risks associated with electrotechnology work

  • UNIT CODE
  • UEECD0019
    Fabricate, assemble and dismantle utilities industry components
    UNIT CODE :
    UEECD0019
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to fabricate, assemble and dismantle utilities industry components using fitting and metal fabrication techniques.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    UEECD0007
  • UNIT NAME
  • Fabricate, assemble and dismantle utilities industry components

  • UNIT CODE
  • UEECD0020
    Fix and secure electrotechnology equipment
    UNIT CODE :
    UEECD0020
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to fix, secure and mount electrotechnology equipment to hollow walls, solid walls and metal fixings.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    UEECD0007
  • UNIT NAME
  • Fix and secure electrotechnology equipment

  • UNIT CODE
  • UEECD0042
    Solve problems in ELV single path circuits
    UNIT CODE :
    UEECD0042
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to provide solutions to predictable problems in single path circuits operated at extra-low voltage (ELV) as they apply to energy sector work functions.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    UEECD0007
  • UNIT NAME
  • Solve problems in ELV single path circuits

  • UNIT CODE
  • UEECD0051
    Use drawings, diagrams, schedules, standards, codes and specifications
    UNIT CODE :
    UEECD0051
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to use drawings, diagrams, cable schedules, industry standards, codes of practice and specifications as they apply to various electrotechnology work functions.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    UEECD0007
  • UNIT NAME
  • Use drawings, diagrams, schedules, standards, codes and specifications

  • UNIT CODE
  • UEECO0010
    Participate in refrigeration and air conditioning work and competency development activities
    UNIT CODE :
    UEECO0010
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to participate in refrigeration and air conditioning work and competency development activities.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Participate in refrigeration and air conditioning work and competency development activities

  • UNIT CODE
  • UEERA0031
    Diagnose and rectify faults in air conditioning and refrigeration control systems
    UNIT CODE :
    UEERA0031
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to diagnose and rectify faults and replace faulty components in refrigeration and air conditioning control systems, interconnecting circuits and equipment operating at voltages up to 1000 volt (V) alternating current (a.c.).

    Pre-requisite unit :
    UEECD0007
  • UNIT NAME
  • Diagnose and rectify faults in air conditioning and refrigeration control systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • UEERA0035
    Establish the basic operating conditions of air conditioning systems
    UNIT CODE :
    UEERA0035
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to determine operating conditions of air conditioning systems.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    UEECD0007
  • UNIT NAME
  • Establish the basic operating conditions of air conditioning systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • UEERA0036
    Establish the basic operating conditions of vapour compression systems
    UNIT CODE :
    UEERA0036
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to determine operating conditions of vapour compression system.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    UEECD0007
  • UNIT NAME
  • Establish the basic operating conditions of vapour compression systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • UEERA0044
    Find and rectify faults in single phase motors and associated controls
    UNIT CODE :
    UEERA0044
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to find and repair faults in motors and associated controls connected to single phase, 240 volt (V) supply, in refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    UEECD0007
  • UNIT NAME
  • Find and rectify faults in single phase motors and associated controls

  • UNIT CODE
  • UEERA0045
    Find and rectify faults in three phase motors and associated controls
    UNIT CODE :
    UEERA0045
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to find and repair faults in motors and associated controls connected to three phase, 415 volts (V) supply, in refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    UEECD0007
  • UNIT NAME
  • Find and rectify faults in three phase motors and associated controls

  • UNIT CODE
  • UEERA0050
    Install refrigerant pipe work, flow controls and accessories
    UNIT CODE :
    UEERA0050
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to install refrigerant piping/tubing, fittings, flow controls and accessories for refrigeration and air conditioning systems in buildings and premises in accordance with relevant regulations, industry standards, codes of practice, manufacturer instructions, and industry and workplace requirements.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    UEECD0007
  • UNIT NAME
  • Install refrigerant pipe work, flow controls and accessories

  • UNIT CODE
  • UEERA0051
    Install, commission, service and maintain air conditioning systems
    UNIT CODE :
    UEERA0051
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to safely and effectively install, commission, service and maintain air conditioning systems.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    UEECD0007
  • UNIT NAME
  • Install, commission, service and maintain air conditioning systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • UEERA0052
    Install, commission, service and maintain low temperature systems
    UNIT CODE :
    UEERA0052
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to safely and effectively install, commission, service and maintain low temperature cabinets and freezer rooms employing a single evaporator and single condensing unit.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    UEECD0007
  • UNIT NAME
  • Install, commission, service and maintain low temperature systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • UEERA0053
    Install, commission, service and maintain medium temperature systems
    UNIT CODE :
    UEERA0053
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to safely and effectively install, commission, service and maintain medium temperature cabinets and cool rooms employing a single evaporator and single condensing unit. It includes the ability to source relevant data and schematics; install components, pipe work, accessories and controls to create a functional medium temperature system; commission the system to ensure it operates at the specified design conditions; locate and rectify faults; and carry out routine maintenance procedures.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    UEECD0007
  • UNIT NAME
  • Install, commission, service and maintain medium temperature systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • UEERA0059
    Prepare and connect refrigerant tubing and fittings
    UNIT CODE :
    UEERA0059
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to prepare and connect refrigeration and air conditioning piping/tubing and fittings.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    UEECD0007
  • UNIT NAME
  • Prepare and connect refrigerant tubing and fittings

  • UNIT CODE
  • UEERA0062
    Recover and charge refrigerants
    UNIT CODE :
    UEERA0062
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to recover, pressure test, evacuate and charge refrigerants from refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    UEECD0007
  • UNIT NAME
  • Recover and charge refrigerants

  • UNIT CODE
  • UEERA0079
    Safely handle refrigerants and lubricants
    UNIT CODE :
    UEERA0079
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to Safely handle refrigerants and lubricants used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    UEECD0007
  • UNIT NAME
  • Safely handle refrigerants and lubricants

  • UNIT CODE
  • UEERA0081
    Select refrigerant piping, accessories and associated controls
    UNIT CODE :
    UEERA0081
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to select refrigerant piping, accessories and associated controls.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    UEECD0007
  • UNIT NAME
  • Select refrigerant piping, accessories and associated controls

  • UNIT CODE
  • UEERA0092
    Solve problems in low voltage refrigeration and air conditioning circuits
    UNIT CODE :
    UEERA0092
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to solve problems in low voltage (LV) refrigeration and air conditioning circuits, determine the correct operation of LV alternating current (a.c.) circuits, and provide solutions to refrigeration and air conditioning work functions.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    UEECD0007
  • UNIT NAME
  • Solve problems in low voltage refrigeration and air conditioning circuits

  • UNIT CODE
  • UEERA0094
    Verify functionality and compliance of refrigeration and air conditioning installations
    UNIT CODE :
    UEERA0094
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to verify the functionality and compliance of refrigeration and air conditioning installations.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    UEECD0007 , UEECD0016 , UEECD0019 , UEECD0020 , UEECD0042 , UEECD0051 , UEECO0010 , UEERA0031 , UEERA0035 , UEERA0036 , UEERA0044 , UEERA0045 , UEERA0050 , UEERA0051 , UEERA0052 , UEERA0053 , UEERA0059 , UEERA0062 , UEERA0079 , UEERA0081 , UEERA0092 , UEERE0001 , UEERL0001 , UEERL0002 , UEERL0004 , UEERL0005
  • UNIT NAME
  • Verify functionality and compliance of refrigeration and air conditioning installations

  • UNIT CODE
  • UEERE0001
    Apply environmentally and sustainable procedures in the energy sector
    UNIT CODE :
    UEERE0001
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to apply environmentally sustainable procedures in the energy sector.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply environmentally and sustainable procedures in the energy sector

  • UNIT CODE
  • UEERL0001
    Attach cords and plugs to electrical equipment for connection to a single phase 230 Volt supply
    UNIT CODE :
    UEERL0001
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to attach flexible cord and plug to electrical equipment for connection to a single phase supplies up to 230 volts (V) alternating current (a.c.) supply.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    UEECD0007
  • UNIT NAME
  • Attach cords and plugs to electrical equipment for connection to a single phase 230 Volt supply

  • UNIT CODE
  • UEERL0002
    Attach cords, cables and plugs to electrical equipment for connection to 1000 V a.c. or 1500 V d.c.
    UNIT CODE :
    UEERL0002
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to attach flexible cords, cables and plugs to electrical equipment connected to a supply up to 1,000 volts (V) alternating current (a.c.) or 1,500 V direct current (d.c.).

    Pre-requisite unit :
    UEERL0001
  • UNIT NAME
  • Attach cords, cables and plugs to electrical equipment for connection to 1000 V a.c. or 1500 V d.c.

  • UNIT CODE
  • UEERL0004
    Disconnect - reconnect electrical equipment connected to low voltage (LV) installation wiring
    UNIT CODE :
    UEERL0004
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to disconnect and reconnect electrical equipment connected to low voltage (LV) installation wiring.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    UEECD0007
  • UNIT NAME
  • Disconnect - reconnect electrical equipment connected to low voltage (LV) installation wiring

  • UNIT CODE
  • UEERL0005
    Locate and rectify faults in low voltage (LV) electrical equipment using set procedures
    UNIT CODE :
    UEERL0005
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to locate and rectify faults in low voltage (LV) electrical equipment.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    UEECD0007 , UEERL0004
  • UNIT NAME
  • Locate and rectify faults in low voltage (LV) electrical equipment using set procedures

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Bracken Ridge
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

Acacia Ridge
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Ashmore
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Nambour
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Cairns
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Townsville - Trade Training Centre Bohle
Apprenticeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

Download Brochure

Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32220)
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No 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. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection criteria

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.

Resources required

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 safety toe cap and non-slip soles to AS2210
  • long leather gloves to AS2161
  • 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.

Assessment methods

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.

Pathways

University pathways

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

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

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. 

Course 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.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more