automotive air conditioning course
Do you work in an automotive service and repair business? Expand your skillset with this course in automotive air conditioning.
You will learn how to:
- test and repair basic electrical circuits
- service air conditioning
- service heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
- develop and carry out diagnostic tests
- follow safe and sustainable working practices in an automotive workplace.
You can choose elective subjects in your areas of interest:
- retrofitting automotive air conditioning and HVAC systems
- overhauling air conditioning and HVAC system compressors
- recovering vehicle refrigerants
- installing air conditioning systems.
Internship
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Industry Fields | - Light Vehicle Service - Heavy Vehicle Service - Auto Electrical - Panel Beating & Spray Painting - Motorcycle Repair - Diesel Mechanics |
| Types of Internships | 1. Apprenticeship - Paid, long-term (3–4 years) - Combines TAFE study + on-the-job training 2. Vocational Placement - Usually unpaid - Part of vocational training programs - Duration: few weeks to several months 3. Short-term Internship - Often for international students - Paid or unpaid - Focus on observation and assisting |
| How to Apply | - Through TAFE or Registered Training Organizations (RTOs) - Internship agencies (e.g., Internship Australia, CareerDC, AIP) - Directly contacting local workshops or searching job boards (Seek, Indeed, Gumtree) |
| Basic Requirements | - English communication skills (IELTS 5.5+ recommended) - Valid visa (Student, Working Holiday, etc.) - Physically fit - May need to provide own safety gear (boots, gloves, tools) |
| Pay (if applicable) | - Apprenticeships: approx. AUD $14–18/hour to start - Short-term internships often unpaid, but may offer certificates or recommendation letters |
| Useful Resources | - [TAFE NSW – Automotive Courses] - [Australian Apprenticeships] - [Australian Internships] - [Seek – Internship Listings] |
Financial support for course fees
| Support Type | Eligibility | What It Covers | Applicable Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skills First Funding (Victoria) | - Australian citizens, permanent residents, or New Zealand citizens - Living in Victoria - Aged 17+ and not attending secondary school - Must meet prior study limits | - Government subsidizes tuition fees (not 100%) - Course fees significantly reduced (e.g., from $10,000+ to under $1,000) | Certificate II, III, IV in Automotive (e.g., Light Vehicle, Diesel, Panel Beating) |
| TAFE (Victoria) | - Must be eligible for Skills First - Enrolled in a designated TAFE course | - To pay for materials or tools | Specific Certificate III courses such as: - Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology - Automotive Electrical Technology |
| Apprenticeship Wage Subsidy | - Students signed under a formal apprenticeship agreement | - Students receive wages - Employers may get government subsidies, encouraging hiring | Certificate III/IV apprenticeship-based courses |
| VET Student Loans | - Enrolled in higher-level vocational courses (Diploma or above) - Must meet loan eligibility criteria | - Eligible students can defer tuition payments through a government loan - Repayments start once earning threshold is met | Diploma in Automotive Management or related programs |
| JobTrainer (in some states, phasing out) | - Unemployed, low-skilled workers, or those affected by COVID-19 | - Government support for priority industry courses - Some courses may be or heavily discounted | Entry-level automotive courses (e.g., Certificate II) in participating states |
Additional Support:
- Tool Kit Assistance: Some TAFE institutions offer toolkits or student bursaries.
- Transport Subsidies: Full-time students may be eligible for public transport discounts in certain states.
Licensing and regulatory information
Once you have completed the training you can apply for a Refrigerant Handling Permit. Contact the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) for more information.
Why Study Automotive Air Conditioning in Australia?
With over 20 million registered vehicles on Australian roads and high summer temperatures across many states, qualified automotive air conditioning technicians are in steady demand. This hands-on course teaches you how to service, repair, and install vehicle air conditioning systems safely and legally. You'll gain the skills required to apply for an ARCtick licence—a must-have for handling refrigerants in Australia. As electric vehicles and modern refrigerants become the new standard, up-to-date training ensures you're job-ready and future-proof.
How TO apply
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Choose Course & Provider | - Decide on your course, e.g. Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology - Choose an institution offering the course, such as a TAFE (public vocational institute) or private RTO (Registered Training Organisation) 👉 Examples: TAFE Victoria, Kangan Institute, Box Hill Institute, TAFE Queensland |
| 2. Check Eligibility | - Check whether you qualify for government support programs like Skills First / TAFE / Apprenticeships - Ensure your English level meets requirements (typically IELTS 5.5+ for international students) |
| 3. Prepare Application Documents | Usually includes: 📄 Proof of identity (passport, visa) 📄 English test results (if applicable) 📄 Academic transcripts 📄 Resume (especially for apprenticeship applicants) 📄 Statement of Purpose (required by some institutions) |
| 4. Submit Application | - Submit your application online via the provider’s website - International students must apply through a CRICOS-registered provider, often via an education agent 👉 Course websites or [https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au] |
| 5. Receive Offer & Make Payment | - Once you receive an offer, confirm your place and pay tuition fees or a deposit - Verify your eligibility for funding like Skills First or TAFE |
| 6. Arrange Visa & Accommodation (International Students) | - Apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) - Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and find accommodation |
| 7. Enrol & Begin Studies | - Complete enrolment - Attend orientation - Prepare for any required internship or apprenticeship placement (if applicable) |
Occupations you might be interested in
- Mechanic's Assistant
What does a Mechanic's Assistant do ?
Assists Motor Mechanics to replace and repair worn and defective parts, re-assemble mechanical components, change oil and filters, and perform other routine mechanical tasks.
Specialisation options
Specialising in a job can offer many benefits for those who pursue it. This includes a deeper involvement in their career, greater knowledge and experience in specific areas of interest, access to higher pay and potential of future employment when demand is high.
Here are a few ways to specialise in this field:
Lube Attendant
- Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitter (General)
What does a Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitter (General) do ?
- removing old and damaged parts and cleaning surrounding areas on vehicles
- fitting batteries and installing accessories such as sun roofs, stereos and alarms
- removing damaged glass, trimming strips and rubber seals from window frames and mountings on motor vehicles, positioning new windscreens and glass windows on frames and attaching and sealing them
- inspecting, removing and repairing muffler mountings, and fitting new mufflers, extractors and exhaust pipes
- removing radiators from vehicles and cleaning and repairing them
- installing new or repaired radiators into vehicles and repairing and replacing other units in the cooling system such as thermostats, head gaskets and water pumps
- inspecting tyres to determine which repair action to implement and repairing punctures in tubes and tubeless tyres
- operating air driven equipment to remove and refit tyres and tubes on vehicles