Why settle for a standard electrician’s wage when you could double your income? Studying to become a dual trade, especially for electricians who want to upskill in refrigeration and air conditioning, creates amazing earning opportunities all over Australia.
Most electricians limit themselves to a single trade qualification, but they miss out on the significant income boost that comes with dual trade expertise. Adding skills to work on refrigeration or air conditioning systems to your electrical licence could be your best career decision in 2025. This combination opens new doors to residential and commercial projects requiring both skill sets.
Let Get Skilled Training show you how merging electrical and refrigeration qualifications can boost your earning potential. You’ll see real examples from tradespeople who’ve already made this switch. The piece outlines clear steps to upgrade your skills and highlights specific income opportunities that await qualified dual trade.
Why Electricians Are Choosing Refrigeration
Australian electricians are adding refrigeration qualifications to their skillset through a UEE32220 Certificate III in Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration.
Getting your full Refrigerant Handling Licence creates new possibilities in refrigeration work. You’ll be qualified to install, commission and maintain everything from cold rooms and freezer units to ducted AC and split systems. The certification lets you buy all types of refrigerants and work with systems containing flammable refrigerants such as hydrocarbons.
Cert III’s dual trade advantages go beyond just technical skills. You’ll have full control of projects with the ability to apply for a mechanical services licence in most states and territories and to be able to be involved in managing energy-efficient installations and smart building automation systems. This freedom helps you complete projects faster and keep clients happier. You will become the one-stop shop for service, maintenance, repairs and installs.
Dual trade professionals can handle more significant commercial projects than regular electricians. Your expanded capabilities will include green initiatives and energy-efficient building upgrades, which are rapidly growing in the Australian market.
Electrical businesses also benefit significantly from certification, as it enables them to operate independently without relying on a refrigeration mechanic, which is typically required by the relevant building authority shown below:
- QBCC licence in Queensland for larger AC systems
- VBA licence in Victoria for mechanical services
- NSW Office of Fair Trading certification
CBS licence in South Australia for all AC types
Current Electrician Salaries vs Dual Trade Income
Electricians with refrigeration qualifications earn significantly more money. These professionals make an impressive AUD $114,609 per year on average, which stands out in the trades industry.
The pay difference between single and dual trade qualifications is huge. Many electricians now find that getting refrigeration skills through a Cert III helps them land better-paying jobs, particularly in:
- Mining jobs that pay up to AUD $144,000 yearly
- Energy generation projects with top-tier rates
- Commercial building automation systems
- Large-scale industrial installations
Professionals with both skills often move into project management roles. They oversee complex installations that need both electrical and HVAC expertise, which naturally increases their earning potential.
The mining and energy sectors really value people with both skills and offer some of the industry’s highest salaries. City areas also have plenty of opportunities for dual-qualified professionals in commercial and industrial projects.
Getting your Certificate III in Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration is a wise investment that quickly pays off through better earnings. This qualification lets you handle bigger projects on your own without sharing profits with other contractors.
How to Add Refrigeration to Your Electrical Licence
Get Skilled Training in Brisbane provides a simplified path to dual trade certification in refrigeration. To start the UEE32220 Certificate III in Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration course, you’ll need an Australian electrical licence and a Cert II qualification and some experience after completing the course
Your course combines 60-100 hours of online theory with 12 days of hands-on training and assessment along with workplace training for those students who may require it.
Your Cert II, electrical licence and current scope of work might reduce the theory requirements through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment with a current knowledge assessment offered to all students to see what theory you may already know.. The practical component includes 10 days of workshop training and a two-day capstone assessment to show your skills with equipment of all types.
This Cert III’s dual trade advantages let you complete the course in 12-24 months without traditional apprenticeship routes. The training gives you hands-on experience with:
- Cold rooms and freezer systems
- Ducted and cassette AC systems
- VRF and VRV Air Conditioning systems in residential and commercial
- Commercial refrigeration equipment
- Ice machines and beverage dispenses
- Equipment containing hydrocarbon refrigerants
Your qualification allows you to apply for a full Refrigerant Handling Licence with the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC). This licence lets you work on all systems but one of these refrigeration tasks: automotive systems. The certification allows you to apply for a refrigerant trading authorisation (RTA) with ARC to buy refrigerants and manage mechanical services independently.
Career Advancement
Dual qualified professionals can advance their careers through:
- High-paying energy efficiency consulting roles
- HVAC project management positions
- Technical leadership in building automation
- Starting their own business
The benefits of a dual trade Cert III go well beyond the initial boost in income. Many have started thriving businesses that let them control their project scope without relying on outside contractors.
Make More Money with More Opportunities with Get Skilled Training
Get Skilled Training’s UEE32220 Certificate III in Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration provides a direct path to higher earnings. You can complete your second trade qualification without undergoing a four-year apprenticeship, during which you will be trained by industry professionals.
Brisbane training spots are available right now or send us a message to register your interest across Australia.
Learn with the best and boost your career opportunities now.
