Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

About the course

This apprenticeship-based Certificate III builds practical skills to work in the refrigeration and air-conditioning industry. You’ll learn to install, commission, service and repair air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, following industry standards and workplace safety requirements. Training is delivered on campus at RMIT’s Melbourne City location and is designed to support workplace learning as part of an apprenticeship in building and trades. The programme focuses on applied engineering drawings, workshop skills, and technical maintenance competencies.

Career outcome

Graduates are prepared for trade roles in the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) sector. You may work with residential, commercial or light industrial systems, supporting installation, maintenance and fault-finding activities. Typical job outcomes include air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanic or contractor roles, with opportunities across construction, facilities maintenance and specialist refrigeration services in the building and trades industry.

Living Costs in Sydney**

Restaurant (Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant) A$ 17 - 22	Rent per Month (1 bedroom in City Centre) A$ 2,207 - 2,918	Rent per Month (1 bedroom Outside of Centre) A$ 1,599 - 2,115
Transportation (Daily) A$ 9 - 10	Utilities per Month (Electricity, Mobile & Internet) A$ 219 - 290

Average Salary***

*Source: QS World University Subjects Rankings (2026)

**Source: numbeo.com

***Source: PayScale.com (2026)