The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) has played a pivotal role in driving updates to Australia’s occupational classifications, ensuring Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) professionals are accurately recognised for their technical expertise and vital contributions.

The release of the new Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) replaces the outdated Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) for use in Australia. ARC, working closely with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and other industry stakeholders, was instrumental in advocating for changes to better reflect the highly skilled nature of RAC work.

The previous classification “Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic” has now been updated to “Airconditioning and Refrigeration Technician (382131)”. This shift removes outdated terminology and aligns with the advanced skill set required for today’s RAC professionals.

Glenn Evans, ARC’s CEO, added: “This is a step in the right direction for our industry. The term ‘Mechanic’ was outdated and no longer represented the skill and expertise required to keep up with modern HVACR systems. These changes reflect the growing demands placed on RAC professionals.”

Supporting the Future of HVACR Professionals

ARC remains committed to supporting the industry through licensing, compliance, and training. These updates pave the way for stronger workforce recognition, clearer pathways for new professionals entering the sector, and improved public understanding of the critical work performed by RAC technicians.

This info was provided courtesy of Abbott J Haron from Australian Refrigeration Council.

For more information, visit www.arctick.org.