The journey from apprentice to qualified air con mechanic can be winding, although there is a lot of support on the way. Xtracool Air Conditioning owner and air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic Michael Stephenson and his apprentice, Zayde Free, share their experiences in the industry.
The importance of apprentices
“You couldn’t run a small business without an apprentice,” says boss Michael (Micko) Stephenson. “You find a good one and they’re worth their weight in gold.”
Apprentices play a vital role in the industry, providing practical help while they learn on the job through hands-on experience.
The apprentice/employer relationship also gives employers, particularly small businesses, the chance to shape the next generation, teaching them the best way to do things, through practical experience that supplements the theory they are learning in the classroom.
“I haven’t looked back since I started,” responds apprentice Zayde Free. “I love it. There’s a million things you can do but this trade is where it’s at. Trust me”.
A job with variety
“We do everything from installs to ducted, cool rooms, commercials, splits, everything,” he continues. “It just varies.”
This variety is something that appeals to both apprentice and boss.
“The most rewarding thing is you’re doing something different every day, which is a good thing,” agrees Micko. “That and giving people hot or cool air, that’s what we do. Or a cool room to keep the beers cold!”
What does an air conditioning apprentice do?
“You start off as an apprentice and you learn and grow along the way,” says boss Michael Stephenson.”At the start it might be scary, but as you get more experience and chalk up the runs on the board, you get your feet into it and gather momentum.
“We do a lot of air conditioning installation, maintenance, repairs, cool rooms, both domestic and commercial. Our day can vary - wherever the phone takes us, that’s what we try to do - anything air conditioning related.
“I bring my apprentices along on the journey and get them involved. They can help carry tools, set up ladders and you can teach them the ropes.”
Work life balance as a career goal
Micko has not only given Zayde a job, but he’s provided him with inspiration too.
“I’ve got three years left and hopefully at the end of the three years, I’d like to open up my own business like Michael has,” says Zayde.
“He’s shown me how to run a business. I want to have that free-flowing lifestyle, picking up jobs I want to do, but also having that time to say no and be able to go home to my family and give them the life that they want and the best things in the world.”
Zayde’s advice on becoming an air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic
When we ask Zayde what advice he’d give to someone considering becoming an apprentice for air conditioning and refrigeration, he says:
“I’d tell people to just give it a shot. You’ll learn the most and have the most fun. It’s an amazing trade to be in. I haven’t looked back since I started.
“I’ve got all my mates to do it as well. I’m not the only one who loves it. There’s a million of us.”
The importance of support
One thing that makes Zayde’s job enjoyable is the support he gets. Aside from his number one supporter, his mum, Zayde credits Micko for ‘being a brilliant boss’.
“He looks after us,” he says. “He’s always open to making us the best tradie we can be. If you ask him a question, it doesn’t matter what it is, he’ll still help out.”
Funding available for apprentices
The Apprentice Tools Allowance, which offers eligible apprentices a $1,000 reimbursement to help with the purchase of their tools at the start of their apprenticeship and an additional $1,000 reimbursement on completion, has also made a difference.
“It’s amazing to get that support from them because you know that it’s going to help out a lot. I can get more tools for my trade so I can become the best tradie I can be.”
Employer funding
Financial support has also made a difference to Micko. He’s been able to access the Employer Grant, which encourages employers to invest in training up apprentices, and helps them cover the cost of on-the-job training.
“The CTF Employer Grant just helps the business. Taking on apprentices is a bit scary and daunting at the start, but the grant helps cover their wages and mistakes they’re obviously going to make.
“It helps cover the costs of that. It’s huge taking on an apprentice - you would probably struggle without the funding from CTF. It has been a massive help, getting two apprentices over the line.”
How CTF can help you
If you’re interested in a job in construction or would like to know about funding available as an apprentice or an employer, contact CTF to learn about ways into the industry.
There are a number of pathways and school-based traineeships available, as well as other routes and financial support available through CTF.
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