Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
UEE32220
Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration - UEE32220
Course Overview
The Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration is the recognised qualification to seek work as a qualified Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic.
Students will learn to select components, install, set up, test, repair, and maintain refrigeration systems and equipment. On a day-to-day basis, graduates might work with domestic or commercial equipment used for food storage and preservation, air conditioning, and air distribution.
Students will also gain knowledge of the regulatory requirements for purchasing and handling refrigerants.
Careers & study pathways
Where can this course take me?
Roles graduates may be eligible for include:
- Qualified Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic
Further study
After graduating, participants might like to undertake further study in the:
- UEE42920 Certificate IV in Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Systems
- UEE42720 Certificate IV in Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Servicing
- CPC40920 Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (operations)
- UEESS00156 RAC - Service and Repair Carbon Dioxide Refrigeration Systems Skill Set
- UEESS00154 RAC - Service and Repair Ammonia Refrigeration Systems Skill Set
- UEESS00157 RAC - Service and Repair Flammable Refrigerant Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Skill Set
Course details
Upcoming dates and times
Choose a location below to learn more about when this course is offered and on which days you’ll need to attend.
Wangaratta - Docker Street
(1 commencing soon)
Open From: 24-Mar-2025 - Apprenticeship - Part time - Monday to Friday inclusive - 8.00am - 4.30pm - On Campus
Study units
Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.
This course requires a total of 36 units: 27 core and 9 elective.
Core units
27 unit(s)
- UEECD0007 Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace
- UEECD0016 Document and apply measures to control WHS risks associated with electrotechnology work
- UEECD0019 Fabricate, assemble and dismantle utilities industry components
- UEECD0020 Fix and secure electrotechnology equipment
- UEECD0042 Solve problems in ELV single path circuits
- UEECD0051 Use drawings, diagrams, schedules, standards, codes and specifications
- UEECO0010 Participate in refrigeration and air conditioning work and competency development activities
- UEERA0031 Diagnose and rectify faults in air conditioning and refrigeration control systems
- UEERA0035 Establish the basic operating conditions of air conditioning systems
- UEERA0036 Establish the basic operating conditions of vapour compression systems
- UEERA0044 Find and rectify faults in single phase motors and associated controls
- UEERA0045 Find and rectify faults in three phase motors and associated controls
- UEERA0050 Install refrigerant pipe work, flow controls and accessories
- UEERA0051 Install, commission, service and maintain air conditioning systems
- UEERA0052 Install, commission, service and maintain low temperature systems
- UEERA0053 Install, commission, service and maintain medium temperature systems
- UEERA0059 Prepare and connect refrigerant tubing and fittings
- UEERA0062 Recover and charge refrigerants
- UEERA0079 Safely handle refrigerants and lubricants
- UEERA0081 Select refrigerant piping, accessories and associated controls
- UEERA0092 Solve problems in low voltage refrigeration and air conditioning circuits
- UEERA0094 Verify functionality and compliance of refrigeration and air conditioning installations
- UEERE0001 Apply environmentally and sustainable procedures in the energy sector
- UEERL0001 Attach cords and plugs to electrical equipment for connection to a single phase 230 Volt supply
- UEERL0002 Attach cords, cables and plugs to electrical equipment for connection to 1000 V a.c. or 1500 V d.c.
- UEERL0004 Disconnect - reconnect electrical equipment connected to low voltage (LV) installation wiring
- UEERL0005 Locate and rectify faults in low voltage (LV) electrical equipment using set procedures
Elective units
10 unit(s)
- BSBOPS203 Deliver a service to customers
- CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry
- HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
- ICTICT214 Operate application software packages
- UEERA0006 Apply safety awareness and legal requirements for carbon dioxide refrigerant
- UEERA0007 Apply safety awareness and legal requirements for flammable refrigerants
- UEERA0066 Repair and service carbon dioxide refrigeration systems
- UEERA0067 Repair and service secondary refrigeration systems
- UEERA0068 Repair and service self-contained carbon dioxide refrigeration and heat pump systems
- UEERA0084 Service and repair self-contained flammable refrigerants air conditioning and refrigeration systems
Attendance & commitment
Apprenticeship face-to-face delivery | 4 years course length | Part-time study load
- This course runs over 5 days for 8 - 10 weeks per year for 3 years of the 4-year apprenticeship.
- Days are 8am - 4.30pm. Blocks are scheduled between February and early December.
- Students are required to attend all blocks and may need to attend outside of their schedule to catch up if required.
School-Based Apprenticeship Traineeship face-to-face delivery | 6 years course length | Part-time study load
- This course runs over 5 days for 4 weeks per year for 2 years.
- Days are 8am - 4.30pm. Blocks are scheduled between February and early December.
- Students are required to attend all blocks and may need to attend outside of their schedule to catch up if required.
Assessment methods
Assessment methods may include:
- Knowledge questions
- Written questions
- Observations
Before you begin
Entry requirements
GOTAFE entry requirements
Before being accepted into this course applicants must:
- Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
- Undertake a Pre-training Review by interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.
- Prospective Traineeship or Apprenticeship students are required to apply through an Apprenticeship Network Provider with their employer to organise their apprenticeship contract before applying for this course.
Student resources
Students must have:
- A laptop/computer with internet access.
- Access to a digital camera or video camera for visual and audio assessment tasks.
- General stationery (pens, pencils, rulers).
Industry requirements
- Students must complete the general induction training program specified by the National Code of Practice for Induction Training for Construction Work (ASCC 2007) before entering a construction work site. Achievement of unit CPCCOHS1001A covers this requirement.
- Applicants seeking apprenticeships as Air Conditioning/ Refrigeration mechanics are generally reasonably fit and have a good command of English and Maths.
Enrolment
Please note: Eligible individuals who wish to access a government-subsidised place, must participate in a Pre-training Review. This will consider your:
- Aspirations/career goals
- Educational attainment and capability
- Literacy and numeracy skills
- Suitability for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer
Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.
You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:
- Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.
Fees and payments
Fees and costs
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding to eligible individuals.
Please note that the fees on this webpage, for this particular course:
- are correct at the time of publishing for those enrolling in 2025 and may change without notice.
- will be discussed with applications as part of the application process to ensure it is understood what is being paid for and which fee rates they may be eligible for.
Course Fees consist of three different components:
- Student Tuition Fee - covers the costs of training and assessment. These fees vary across courses and are calculated based on a rate per nominal hour enrolled in. The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Circumstances may include:
- an individual’s eligibility for Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- an individual’s eligibility for concession rates on Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- ineligible individuals who are required to pay the full fees for tuition and other costs.
- Material Fee - where applicable, cover the costs of classroom consumables, handouts and booklets, e-Learning resources and associated license access fees and excursions.
- Student Services Fee (SSF) – contributes to the provision of student engagement, learning and support services. SSF is a non-refundable annual fee that does not apply to short-course participants.
Additionally, some courses require students to purchase or supply textbooks, kits, tools, uniforms and personal protection equipment. Some specific materials may be purchased through the GOTAFE Bookshop. A full list with associated costs will be provided to you at your course information session, induction session, or during the pre-training review interview.
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your fees.
Learn more about fees, charges, refunds and payment options
Student support
As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.
Learning support
A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your english language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.
Learn more about our learning support services
Library
Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.
Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton
Jobs and study options
Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.
Reach out to our Skills and Jobs Centres
Contingent Study Arrangements
Where a situation arises that prevents campus attendance (such as COVID restrictions, natural disasters, etc.) and it is deemed an appropriate response in protecting the health and safety of staff, students, and visitors, this course will adapt to alternative training arrangements, possibly using online methods of teaching and/or communication while students engage from home with their Trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time.
Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life throws your way, we are here to help.
Support for personal issues
We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.
Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you
Disability support
Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.
Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors
Counselling services
We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.
Learn about our Student Wellbeing Advisors
Koorie Unit
The Koorie Unit is a culturally safe space on our Shepparton Fryers Street Campus for all Koorie students enrolled and studying through GOTAFE, or with one of our education partnering organisations.
Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.
Further information is provided at course induction.
This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
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