Future of Australia’s HVACR industry

Airmaster technician Jye Buck tried out a number of trades before choosing refrigeration and air conditioning. The Newcastle-based 24-year-old is heading into the third year of his apprenticeship and is eager to eventually complete a dual trade.

“I did a couple of trials completing work experience in different trades with a number of local businesses; none of them clicked until I tried air conditioning,” Jye said.

“Getting started in a new industry is always going to be difficult. It can be a slow burn to start with, it requires patience. 

“But the more I applied myself gaining more knowledge and experience, the more satisfying it became.

“The team at Airmaster have always been super supportive and willing to pass on their knowledge and experience.”

Jye said mechanical systems can be complex but that’s why the trade is so interesting.

“I love getting hands on, pulling things apart, testing, troubleshooting and installing new equipment. HVACR offers a very rewarding and secure career,” he said.

“Once I finish this apprenticeship I will enrol for a dual trade and eventually move into management."

Clements Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Electrical technician Adam Morgan is a fourth-year apprentice from a family of tradies.  “The best part of the job is the variety. I can go from a domestic air conditioner to working on large scale ammonia chillers in a winery,” he said. “Being an apprentice can be frustrating because there is a lot to learn and I have made mistakes. I look back now and all those mistakes are what have allowed me to be at the level I am today. Also keeping up with theory work at TAFE is extremely important.” Adam has big plans for the future and wants to become a refrigeration engineer. “I am passionate about this industry. We have an in-house engineer at Clements and I aspire to reach that level which would allow me to mentor other people down the track,” Adam said.

Cold Logic technician Jack Read is a 20-year-old apprentice that was introduced to the trade by a family friend. The second year apprentice always wanted to do a trade but didn’t know which one. “I was lucky to learn about refrigeration because it has turned out to be a good job,” Jack said. “There is so much variety from day to day and so many new skills to learn.” Jack said it can be challenging at times trying to deal with a breakdown when it’s past your level of expertise. “But that is when you learn the most,” he said. “My ultimate goal is to be the best technician I can be.”

Communications Air Conditioning technician John Callaughan admits being an apprentice isn’t easy but it is worth all the hard work. “Apprentices aren’t on high wages and we juggle TAFE with on-the-job training which can be stressful at times, but I am more than happy to put up with it because I can see myself doing this job for the rest of my life,” he said. John admits there is a lot to learn. “I am fortunate I work with different trades people most days which allows me to take little bits and pieces from everyone,” the 22-year-old said. For now John’s focus is on completing his apprenticeship. “For now I just want to get through the next two and a half years,” he said. “Eventually when I have enough experience I would like to start a business of my own.”

Hiflow Integrated Services Group Pty Ltd. technician Curtis Howard left school and initially went in search of an electrical apprenticeship. While attending different job interviews he discovered air conditioning and refrigeration and fell in love with the trade. “I am enjoying my apprenticeship especially now that I have work mates,” Curtis said. “We learn a lot on the job but we also have a bit of fun while we are doing it.” His favourite part of the job is fault-finding and problem-solving but admits it isn’t just the technical side of the job that keeps it interesting. “When I look back there has been a lot of life experiences as well that have been part of my apprenticeship journey,” he said. Looking ahead Curtis wants to take his skills on the road and see different refrigeration systems around the world.

Hiflow Integrated Services Group Pty Ltd technician Ethan Uslu has family members working in the trade so moving into the industry was an easy transition. “I already knew it was a good trade,” Ethan said. “The best part of the job is the versatility, it requires a few different skill sets to do this job well. No two jobs are the same so there is always something new to learn.” Ethan would eventually like to become team leader. “I would like to lead and support a team,” he said. “I like the idea of mentoring new apprentices and helping them learn the trade.”

MACS Air Conditioning technician Ryan West couldn’t imagine being in a job that wasn’t hands-on.  Ryan always loved using his hands and figuring out ways to make things work.

“I was learning to become a mechanic when I switched over and began this trade,” Ryan said. “I wanted a change of pace and loved the idea of being on the road where I get to go out and see more.” The only downside to being on the road is the heat. “On hot days it can be a bit rough,” he said. ”My ultimate goal is to be able to walk into any job and be certain that I can fix any system I come across.”

MACS Air Conditioning technician Brandon Whitehouse was introduced to the trade by his father. The 20-year-old was eager to leave school which is why his family directed him toward a trade. “I knew the job was for me straight away,” Brandon said. “Every day is different and the work is challenging, that is what excites me the most,” Brandon said. “Fault-finding isn’t easy but that is what makes it interesting.” Brandon admits he still has a lot to learn and is keen to improve his overall planning and problem-solving skills.  “Being a good tradesman is multi-faceted it isn’t just about the tools,” he said.

Noppen Group technician Christian Camilleri-Waddell also had family in the trade. This gave him an introduction to the job and helped him secure an apprenticeship. Although Christian gets to work in all areas of refrigeration and air conditioning he likes the service and repair aspect of the job. “Mechanical repairs are the most interesting especially compressor changes,” he said. “The most challenging aspect of the job is electrical fault finding.”

Christian said there are plenty of opportunities to build a successful career in the HVACR industry which is always evolving. This means learning to work with new technology and developing new skills.

Looking ahead Christian’s focus is on finishing his trade and working his way up the ladder at the Noppen Group. “Ultimately, I just want to be a good tradesman,” he said.

Noppen Group technician Benjamin Long completed a week of work experience before choosing to begin an apprenticeship in refrigeration and air conditioning.“I really wasn’t sure about what I wanted to do when I Ieft school,” Benjamin said. “Work experience helped me make my final decision and begin my apprenticeship.” Benjamin said there is always something new to learn because each job is different. “Apprentices don’t just learn about the trade, it is the kind of job that teaches you a lot of life lessons as well,” he said. “We interact with different people all the time and acquire new social skills along the way.” Once he completes his apprenticeship Benjamin said he doesn’t just want to be a good technician he wants to be a good person in life as well.

Noppen Group technician Blake Tattam was one of the lucky ones. He was able to leave high school and go straight into an apprenticeship.

“I got offered the job by my dad’s mate when I finished year 10,” Blake explained. “It is a good job for someone who likes variety because no two days are the same.”

Blake said in a single day the job can go from fault-finding to servicing or repairs, it changes. “It is definitely a job for people that like to be hands-on,” he said. “The most challenging part is fault-finding especially on older or more complex systems.” Blake said his immediate goal is to finish his apprenticeship and to continue building a strong knowledge base. “It takes time and commitment to become an experienced and reliable technician,” he said.

Precise Air Group technician Ryan Adams is in the final year of his apprenticeship. His father and his brother are both qualified technicians.  Ryan jokes that HVACR is becoming a family tradition. “Of course I have had plenty of family support throughout my apprenticeship,” he said. Ryan said the job provides plenty of opportunities to meet new people and visit new locations. “I enjoy working with diverse people and going out to different locations,” he said. Since day one, Ryan said the office staff have always been helpful. “They help make me more efficient and make my day to day so much easier,” he said. “The biggest challenge I have as an apprentice is learning to diagnose electrical problems.” Ryan is keen to reach his full potential as a tradie but would also like to help other apprentices learn the trade. “Once I fully understand how everything works then I can help others,” he said.

Precise Air Group technician Farhan Hussaini was always interested in pursuing a job that allowed him to work with his hands. He enjoys the satisfaction of completing quality work and knowing that his skills make a difference in the real world. “There is a real sense of pride that comes from doing a good job, I find it very rewarding,” the 22-year-old apprentice said. “Each job presents new challenges and opportunities to learn.” Farhan said it requires constant focus to manage complex tasks under pressure, especially when a job doesn’t go to plan.

Farhan’s goal is to become a highly competent technician. “I aim to take on greater responsibility, mentor others where possible, and continue learning to stay current with industry standards. Long term, I want to build a successful and respected career in this industry.”

Profire Australia technician Deyber Rivera began working in the refrigeration and mechanical services industry at the age of 19. He began his career in industrial refrigeration gaining first-hand experience with ammonia-based systems. He then moved onto chiller installations and commissioning. Since then the 25-year-old has moved into the fire services industry. “I am currently working on the mechanical side of fire systems, including pumps, inspections, and preventative maintenance,” he said. Deyber said one of the biggest challenges of being an apprentice is managing the responsibility that comes with working on critical systems while still learning. “Whether in refrigeration, air conditioning, or fire systems, the work directly impacts safety, efficiency, and reliability. I take pride in knowing that my work contributes to protecting people, facilities, and essential operations,” he said. “Looking ahead, my goal is to complete my apprenticeship and continue building a long-term career within the fire, refrigeration, and building services sectors.”

Richard Bencic technician Mujtaba Yousufi loves the practical nature of working in HVACR. “It is good to see results at the end of the day,” he said. “There is always something new to learn which keeps me motivated.” Since commencing his apprenticeship the 21-year-old said he has developed a real passion for the trade. “One of the biggest challenges of being an apprentice is balancing work, study, and a personal life,” he said. However, on the upside, Mujtaba  gets to learn from experienced tradespeople and improve his skills every day. “I want to complete my apprenticeship and become a highly qualified tradesperson. Down the track I would like to take on more responsibility and, one day, help mentor apprentices coming into the trade.”

Rowe Auto Electrical technician Charlie Rowe is a third year apprentice with a clear career path ahead. Charlie joined the family business straight out of high school.

“Joining the family business felt like a great opportunity to learn a practical trade and gain hands-on experience,” he said. “There are many aspects of the job that I really enjoy. The wide variety of work we do keeps things interesting, and no two days are ever the same.” Charlie said the complexity of the work is a challenge. “Each day presents new challenges, and I’m constantly learning as I work with new systems and evolving technologies within the industry,” he said. “My focus for the future is to continue developing my skills and knowledge and to grow into a highly capable and well-rounded technician.”

Specialised Refrigeration Services technician Hudson Mathieson begins the fourth year of his apprenticeship this month. The 18-year-old has been working towards his Certificate III in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning since he was 15 years old. Hudson got lucky and was offered an apprenticeship while he was still in high school. “After doing some research I decided to leave school and begin my career; it has been life-changing,” he said. “I cannot see myself doing anything else.” Hudson said the biggest challenge was learning about an industry he knew very little about. “But instead of being discouraged I used it as motivation to prove myself and thrive,” he said. The best part of the job for Hudson is all the new experiences. “I haven’t just been learning about the trade but picking up valuable life skills as well,” he said. “I plan to use these new experiences to eventually set up my own company.”

Temp Air Conditioning technician Norman Santoso is a 19-year-old apprentice who discovered the industry while doing casual work. He didn’t have solid career plans but working alongside an experienced technician sparked his interest. “It just seemed like a good fit for me because I was always curious about anything mechanical so I picked it up quickly,” Norman said he also likes going to new locations and being introduced to new systems. “It never gets boring because I am always learning,” he said. “I also like getting to know new people and the customers are really friendly.”  Long term Norman wants to take his skills as a technician overseas and travel while working.

Woolworths technician Jesse Gaudiello followed in the footsteps of a friend who had started an apprenticeship a year before him. This allowed him to see first-hand what the job was about. “I had no idea this trade even existed until I applied,” he said. “The more I learnt on the job, the more interesting it became.” Jesse is now in the third year of his apprenticeship and believes the biggest challenge is adapting and changing workplace practices based on which technician he is working with. “Everyone has their own style and techniques,” he said. The 25-year-old said he likes the blend of engineering and science that is covered by the trade. “It pays well too and there are plenty of opportunities to develop skills in related roles which means we can work in different parts of the industry.”

Woolworths technician Lily Lakilak became interested in the trade after doing a work placement with an air conditioning company in high school. The 19-year-old then discovered the refrigeration side of HVAC. “I didn’t know refrigeration was even a trade,” she said. “I was lucky because I found out around the time I began applying for apprenticeships.” Lily said starting work after high school is a tough adjustment after being a student for so long. “It is really about adjusting to adult life as a whole. It’s a new environment at work and a whole new world outside of work,” she said. Lily said committing to an apprenticeship is a balancing act especially with shift work. Fortunately, she said the more experienced technicians are always willing to teach and share their knowledge.  “I want to gain more experience on the service side of the trade,” Lily said. “My main goal right now is learning as much as I can.”