Refrigeration and air-conditioning pathway
Keep things cold. Keep people comfortable.
Install, maintain and repair refrigeration and air-conditioning systems across supermarkets, commercial buildings, industrial sites and residential homes.
day to day
What you'll do
Install and service refrigeration systems
Work on cool rooms, freezers, and industrial chillers used in supermarkets, food processing plants, and storage facilities.
Maintain and repair HVAC systems
Service air-conditioning, ventilation, and heat pump systems to keep workplaces, schools, hospitals, and commercial sites operating efficiently.
Test, commission, and fault-find systems
Diagnose faults, check pressures and controls, and ensure refrigeration and air-conditioning systems operate safely and reliably.
Solve practical climate control problems
Apply technical knowledge and logical thinking to identify issues, improve performance, and prevent system breakdowns.
Where you'll work
Industries you can work in
Refrigeration and air-conditioning technicians work in industries that rely on temperature control.
You could work for companies that operate supermarkets, food processing plants, breweries, wineries, and cold storage facilities, installing and maintaining refrigeration systems that keep food and products safe.
Opportunities also exist in commercial buildings and public facilities, servicing air-conditioning and climate control systems in offices, hospitals, schools, and data centres.
Many technicians work in specialist sectors such as transport refrigeration, marine systems, and industrial cooling, supporting the cold chain and other environments where temperature control is critical.
Training Overview
Your training pathway
Earn while you learn in a full-time refrigeration and air-conditioning role. From day one, you’re paid to build real skills while working towards your New Zealand Certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (Trade).
Your training combines hands-on experience, online learning, and occasional block courses. You’ll also have a dedicated ATNZ Account Manager supporting you throughout your apprenticeship.
Why this trade?
A career with strong demand and real progression
Essential, in-demand skills
RAC technicians are in strong demand across Aotearoa, offering steady work and long-term career security nationwide.
Work that matters
Your work protects food, medicines, and indoor comfort, keeping businesses and communities operating safely every day.
Technical and varied
You’ll work across sites & systems, building adaptable, practical skills in refrigeration, controls & climate technology.
Clear career progression
Start as an apprentice, qualify as a tradesperson, and progress into specialist or advanced engineering roles.