New licensing data from the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) indicates a growing trend among Australians choosing refrigeration and air conditioning as a first-choice career. The past five years have shown continual growth, peaking in 2023-24, particularly in the automotive sector.
The number of Refrigerant Handling Licences (RHLs) saw a net increase of over 10,000, marking a 14% rise from the previous year. Refrigerant Trading Authorisations (RTAs) increased by nearly 2,000, up 10%. The automotive sector led this growth, contributing a third to RHL increases and half to RTA increases.
Additionally, classroom training licences surged, with 3,211 more young Australians entering the field, indicating an expanding workforce.
Glenn Evans, ARC CEO, highlighted the positive industry outlook reflected in the rise of licensed technicians and apprentices. "These figures show that the RAC industry is growing," he noted.
Paul Wright, co-chair of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Training Alliance (RACTA), echoed this sentiment, stating that training organizations are experiencing increased classroom engagement. He attributed this growth to ARC's efforts in promoting the industry to potential young entrants.
ARC's consumer marketing campaigns have further elevated the industry's profile, showcasing the value of licensed technicians and attracting more interest from those considering career paths.
