How to Become a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineer in NZ

08 April 2025

Refrigeration and air conditioning engineering is a field that keeps New Zealanders comfortable all year round. This technology is used throughout various industries, like the food and beverage industry, but it’s also used for residential and commercial buildings. If you want to become an engineer who specialises in refrigeration and air conditioning, then you can begin your journey with an engineering apprenticeship. As an apprentice, you’ll learn all about the fundamentals of this field and how you can successfully work with refrigeration and air conditioning components.

What Is Refrigeration And Air Conditioning Engineering?

Refrigeration and air conditioning engineers install, maintain and repair cooling systems for residential, commercial and industrial settings. As an engineer, your work will ensure that homes and businesses have reliable climate control and food preservation. Refrigeration and air conditioning engineers help keep Kiwis comfortable and ensure that food can be stored appropriately. In New Zealand, refrigeration and air conditioning engineers have good job prospects and make an average of 50k – 95k per year.

What To Do To Start Your Refrigeration And Air Conditioning Career

Starting an entirely new career can seem daunting, but when you take the right steps and choose the right options, you set yourself on a promising path. What should you do as a hopeful engineer? Step 1: Understand The Refrigeration And Air Conditioning Field. Before you pursue any kind of course, you should first understand what these engineers do. What will you be expected to do if you choose this field of engineering?

Installation. You will be expected to install new cooling systems for your clients. Proper installation will ensure that the cooling system works as intended.
Maintenance. Cooling systems need routine maintenance to stay in good condition. You’ll be expected to inspect and maintain systems when needed.
Testing, Adjusting And Balancing For Efficiency. You’ll need to test, adjust and balance systems so that they perform well.
Diagnosing And Repairing Faults. If something is wrong with a client’s cooling system, you must diagnose the issues and then repair them.
Working With Clients. Learning how to work with components is important, but you must also learn how to effectively work with clients and other relevant parties. You’ll be expected to stay professional and communicative with clients so that you always stay on the same page. Interpersonal skills ensure each job goes smoothly.

Step 2: Choose The Right Engineering Apprenticeship For You. Once you understand the field you’re stepping into, you can then start to explore courses. Check out our apprenticeships on our ATNZ website to learn more about your opportunities. Learn about how long apprenticeships take, what you’ll be doing during your apprenticeship and the requirements for the course. Why should you choose an apprenticeship?

Earn While You Learn. A major benefit of apprenticeships is that you’ll be compensated for your work. The money you earn lets you focus less on financial matters and more on your coursework.
Hands-On Experience. It’s extremely important to gain hands-on experience when you enter a very hands-on field like refrigeration and air conditioning engineering. You’ll learn how to use equipment, how to handle components and more, building your muscle memory and honing your skills.
Work With A Real Host Company. We at ATNZ place apprentices with host companies so that you can gain real-world experience. In fact, many apprentices stay with their host company even after they complete their apprenticeships, so you can network and find a secure job down the track. Working with and staying with a host company allows you to form positive working relationships.
Learn With Professionals. A significant advantage of being an apprentice is that you’ll work with trained professionals who will guide and support you. Starting a new career is intimidating, but your coworkers, mentors and account manager can support you and encourage you to go far.

Step 3: Enrol In A Refrigeration And Air Conditioning Apprenticeship. Once you know what you want to pursue, you can then start the process of beginning your time as an apprentice. We at ATNZ support our apprentices by offering apprenticeships, connecting you with appropriate host companies, and more. We offer our courses to learners of all backgrounds, races and genders, and we welcome Maori, Pasifika and women learners to come and start their careers. How do you start? It all begins with a chat. You can reach out to our team and we’ll discuss your interests, what apprenticeship you want to enrol in and any other relevant factors. Once you’ve started your apprenticeship, you’ll learn on the job, earn money and continue to develop your engineering skills.

Starting Your Career As A New Zealand Refrigeration And Air Conditioning Engineer

We have a range of courses available at ATNZ, including refrigeration and air conditioning, mechanical engineering, welding and even short courses. Start right with ATNZ. Book a chat at , we look forward to speaking with you. Pursue your dream with ATNZ.