Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Apprenticeships (Nationwide)

Start Your Career in RAC with ATNZ – Get Qualified for Free While You Earn!

ATNZ is New Zealand's largest engineering apprentice employer, and we're on the hunt for motivated individuals to join our Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Apprenticeship programme. We have multiple positions available with a LARGE and well known RAC company across locations in:

• Auckland


• Waikato


• Bay of Plenty


• Tasman


• Marlborough


• Christchurch


• Dunedin

Whether you're in the North or South Island, there may be an opportunity near you!

Why ATNZ?

No training fees, a tool allowance, free PPE, and a dedicated mentor. Plus you get paid while you train! Our apprentices also achieve higher success rates than the industry average.

The Role

As a Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Apprentice, no two days are the same. One day you could be commissioning a cutting-edge refrigeration system in a large-scale food production facility, the next you're troubleshooting a complex cooling setup keeping a supermarket's stock fresh and its doors open for business. You'll get hands-on with the design, installation, and maintenance of commercial and industrial refrigeration systems that businesses across New Zealand depend on every day.

Working alongside experienced engineers, you'll build real skills fast, learning how to work with advanced refrigeration technology, read and interpret technical drawings, and solve problems that actually matter. From keeping perishable goods cold in distribution centers to maintaining climate-controlled environments in retail and logistics operations. Your work will be essential to keeping supply chains running smoothly.

This isn't a desk job. It's a hands-on, tools-in-hand career where you'll be out in the field, challenged daily, and building expertise that's in high demand across industries that never slow down.

What we're looking for:

• Are you committed to 3-4 years of study whilst working full time?


• Are you interested in electrical engineering?


• Do you have a restricted or full drivers' licence? (desired but not essential)


• Have you completed a pre trade course or do you have experience in the trades / electrical engineering industry? (highly desirable but not essential)

Why work with us?

• Hands on training and support from qualified trades people and experienced mentors


• You start earning straight away


• We will cover the qualification cost


• Safety gear provided


• Tool allowance on top of your pay (you don't have to pay it back!)
  

And so much more...

Once qualified, you can move into roles such as commercial, industrial, or transport refrigeration engineering, or air conditioning systems design.

FAQs

How long does it take?

3–4 years (potentially shorter with a Level 3 pre-trade qualification).

What does it pay?

Typically $41,000–$52,000 per year depending on skill level and host company.

Do I need qualifications?

No — just a great attitude and strong work ethic.

Is there an age limit?

No. Anyone 16+ with the right to live and work permanently in NZ can apply.

What if my host company runs out of work?

ATNZ will work to place you with another host company.

Ready to get started? Visit www.atnz.org.nz or click apply now!