Chatfield OzCool pride themselves on their dedication to furthering the education and training of their technicians.
Here we chat to three apprentices who are currently undertaking study with the support of Chatfield OzCool. We’ll explore the different stages of their learnings and get their take on what the apprenticeship experience involves.
Jake Penney – 1st year Apprentice. (Stage: Start of Trade Apprenticeship)
Jake is currently undertaking a refrigeration technician apprenticeship and is 2 months into his first year.
When asked why he chose to undertake this apprenticeship, Jake explained “I wanted a change of career path and Eddie made the job sounds like fun”.
When asked what Jake was most looking forward to about undertaking this apprenticeship, Jake advised he was looking forward to “Learning more about the systems we work on and being able to troubleshoot and problem solve”.
Chatfield OzCool are eager to see Jake progress with his studies and become an experienced technician through on the job training.
Jerry Zhang – Dual Trade Apprentice. (Stage: Start of 2nd Trade Apprenticeship)
Jerry is also a Chatfield OzCool apprentice. Jerry is working as a fully qualified Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician and has been with Chatfield OzCool since 2017.
In addition to his trade qualification Jerry also holds a refrigerant handling license and electrical disconnect and reconnect license.
At the end of 2024 Jerry decided to undertake an electrical apprenticeship which would grant him dual trade qualifications. When asked why he has chosen to undertake this second apprenticeship Jerry explained, “I want to work on electrical, safely and legally”.
Jerry also mentioned how much he appreciates the support he has received from Russell and Adam at Chatfield OzCool, who have encouraged him to undertake his dual trade apprenticeship.
Once Jerry completes his electrical apprenticeship he will hold dual trade qualifications, allowing him to work on more complex HVAC projects.
David Weir – Dual Trade Apprentice. (Stage: End of 2nd Trade Apprenticeship)
After many years of study David is finally at the end of his dual trade apprenticeship.
David was working as a qualified Refrigeration Mechanic (after already completing a Certificate III in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning) at Chatfield Oz cool, when he decided to undertake an Electrical Apprenticeship.
Chatfield OzCool have always supported technicians seeking dual trade qualifications as the skills held by a Refrigeration Mechanic and also as an Electrician, are vital in HVAC work. These combined skills allow a technician to undertake end-to-end work on HVAC projects.
At time of writing, David had completed all NECA schooling, LET theory examination, and had just completed LEP practical last weekend scoring 86%.
David also has a current disconnect license as part of the refrigeration trade and will get RPL for safe work practice SWP.
When asked what David enjoyed most about undertaking this dual apprenticeship he advised “I enjoyed going to NECA every Monday” which was the education facility where he undertook his apprenticeship schooling.
David has always had an interest in work-related continued education and wanted to work in both fields i.e. refrigeration and electrical. So, when offered the opportunity to undertake a dual apprenticeship with Chatfield OzCool, David was eager to take on this challenge.
When asked what he is most looking forward to after completing his second apprenticeship, David stated, “I’m looking at continuing the same work, but I (now) have a better grasp of installation techniques and non-compliance.”
Are you considering an apprenticeship in Electrical or Refrigeration & Air Conditioning?
If so, reach out to Russell or Adam, to discuss opportunities to work and learn surrounded by the experience and support of Chatfield OzCool. 1300 361 186.
The team at Chatfield OzCool are also available to assist with cooling and refrigeration equipment service and repairs, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have.
If you would like to find out how we could help you, please give the team at Chatfield OzCool a call on 1300 361 186.
Click here to see what other services Chatfield OzCool can offer.