NSW Vocational Training Tribunal Refrigeration / Air Conditioning Mechanic INFORMATION GUIDE FOR TRADE RECOGNITION APPLICANTS March 2006
INTRODUCTION A Refrigeration / Air Conditioning Mechanic installs, tests, commissions, maintains, fault finds, repairs and replaces components on a range of domestic, commercial and industrial refrigeration and air conditioning systems, including refrigerators, freezers, coolrooms, freezer rooms, cabinets, split air conditioners, package units and central plant air conditioning systems. If you are seeking trade recognition as a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic you must provide evidence that you have successfully complete a recognised course, module or unit of competency on the safe handling of refrigerants in Australia. That means that you must have completed either of the following (or equivalent): Recognised Training Course: CFC/HCFC Accreditation course required for State/Territory CFC/HCFC User Authorisation, prior to 1st July 2005 National module: NR03 Refrigerants Unit of Competence: MEM18.86A Test, Evacuate and Charge Refrigerants. Unit of Competence: UEENEE008A Recover, Pressure and Leak Test, Evacuate and Charge Refrigeration Systems You must also provide evidence of practical experience, training and/or qualifications in the form of: Work related reference from employer/s, provided by a qualified Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic, detailing the description of work performed, procedures applied and tools and equipment used. Must be on letter-head, signed and dated. Testimonials from employers or clients attesting to trade skills and experience. Employment records, supported by Tax Returns or Group certificates detailing employment classification and periods of employment on trade work. Formal trade training records, certificates or skill profiling records or reports. Formal workplace appraisals of trade work performed. Work experience record books. Job log book or Job journal. Job cards or job diary or work invoices. Photographic evidence. or Other methods that provide sufficient detail of trade experience. This guide is designed to provide you with information and to assist you with your application for trade recognition. It contains the following: trade recognition process trade test process trade test details Information for Trade Recognition Applicants - Refrigeration March 2006 Page 1/ 8
This information is provided to assist you to self assess your practical trade skills and experience against the requirements of the trade and will help you to prepare and provide appropriate and sufficient evidence in support of your application. Information for Trade Recognition Applicants - Refrigeration March 2006 Page 2/ 8
TRADE RECOGNITION ASSESSMENT PROCESS You have considered the information provided in this guide and the requirements for trade recognition. You must lodge your application including all the supporting evidence to the Vocational Training Tribunal Unit (VTTU) or State Training Centre (STC) with the required application fee. If all the evidence required has been included, your application is submitted to the Vocational Training Tribunal (VTT) for assessment. The VTT assesses the application by considering the evidence you have provided. The VTT may determine to: approve your application or refuse your application or invite you for an interview to obtain more information or arrange further investigation/assessment of your trade skills by a DET Officer or an Industry Expert, at your workplace or request that you undertake a trade test. (for details on the trade test procedures see page 4) If your application is approved, the NSW Department of Education and Training (DET) will issue one of the following forms of certification: Certificate of Proficiency - is issued if you have satisfied the VTT that you have been working in the trade for at least 4 years, have gained appropriate and sufficient industry experience and you have been awarded a relevant qualification by a Registered Training Organisation. Craft Certificate - is issued if you have satisfied the VTT that you have been working in the trade for at least 4 years, have gained appropriate and sufficient industry experience but you have not been awarded a relevant qualification by a Registered Training Organisation. Information for Trade Recognition Applicants - Refrigeration March 2006 Page 3/ 8
TRADE TEST PROCESS The VTT advises you that you are required to undertake a trade test and to pay the required fee if you wish to proceed with your application for trade recognition. Upon receipt of your payment, the VTT advises TAFE NSW to organise the trade test. TAFE will send you details of the trade test requirements and a relevant information package. You are encouraged to attend the trade test information / orientation session which will be organised for you by the relevant TAFE College. If you accept to undertake the trade test you are required to attend on the scheduled date at the relevant TAFE College. Following the trade test, the TAFE College will submit its report on your performance to the VTT. If you were successful If you were unsuccessful The VTT will issue you with Craft Certificate Your application will be refused and you will be advised of additional training that you may be required to undertake. Information for Trade Recognition Applicants - Refrigeration March 2006 Page 4/ 8
TRADE TEST DETAILS The trade test for Refrigeration/Air Conditioning Mechanics is designed to assess an applicant s general core trade skills that every Refrigeration/Air Conditioning Mechanic should have, no matter where they were trained. It does not test the local, State or Australian Codes, Acts or Regulations requirements. It assesses for example, whether the applicant can safely handle refrigerants that is, fit service gauges, charge refrigerant, leak test, etc. but not specifically the local regulations and codes that apply to them in New South Wales. The assessment is 5 hours in duration and is made up of the following assessment events: 1. Knowledge - Theory Test: safe working procedures for refrigeration / air conditioning systems refrigeration / air conditioning system components and system operation refrigeration / air conditioning system design conditions fault finding and testing of refrigeration / air conditioning systems oil /refrigerant identification and compatibility refrigerant pressure / temperature charts refrigeration / air conditioning system protection methods, procedures and devices refrigeration / air conditioning system electrical diagrams. 2. Practical Test 1 - Fabrication and Joining of Copper: safety practices selection of appropriate materials for the fabrication task selection and use of appropriate hand and copper working tools connection, setting up and use of oxy / acetylene equipment use of dry nitrogen to ensure cleanliness of final product manufacturing copper tube flare joints and swaged joints installation of schraeder fittings selection and use of appropriate brazing material for the various brazed joints pressure testing. 3. Practical Test 2 Installation and Commissioning: selection and use of service gauges use / handling of refrigerants when pumping down / recovering refrigerant repair / replacement of system components use / handling of refrigerants when recommissioning of the system use of pressure / temperature charts system operation and control isolation of electrical supply use / handling of equipment for electrical measurement testing, fault finding and repair procedures pre-start up tests / checks Information for Trade Recognition Applicants - Refrigeration March 2006 Page 5/ 8
commissioning / adjustment of refrigerant system and flow controls including refrigerant charge, TX valve superheat, etc. commissioning / adjustment of system safety and cycling controls identifying system operating conditions. 4. Practical Test 3 - Refrigeration Testing and Fault Finding: selection and use of safely tools/ instruments testing systems and components fault finding systems and components. 5. Practical Test 4 Electrical Testing, Disconnect / Reconnect, Fault Finding and Repair: I hour Motor Testing selection of and use of correct electrical test instruments testing continuity test, insulation resistance and the auxiliary equipment (contactors, relays and overloads). Refrigeration / Air Conditioning System Control Circuit Testing circuit operation and control, based on existing circuit, components and diagrams use of electrical test equipment terminating cables disconnecting appliance / system from supply reconnecting appliance / system to supply. commissioning appliance / system. testing, fault finding and repairing refrigeration system controls. Refrigeration / Air Conditioning System Testing selection and use of service gauges measurement of appliance / system conditions pre-start up tests / checks of appliance / equipment. Information for Trade Recognition Applicants - Refrigeration March 2006 Page 6/ 8