Completing an apprenticeship is the first step toward a strong and rewarding career in HVAC, earning you a nationally recognised qualification that can take you anywhere. With VAE offices across Australia and New Zealand, you’ll have opportunities to grow, learn, and build your future as part of a leading team in the industry.
Apprenticeship in Refrigeration
An apprenticeship in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning is a hands-on pathway into a dynamic and in-demand trade. As an apprentice, you’ll learn to install, maintain, and repair a wide range of HVAC systems, working with both mechanical components and advanced technology. You’ll gain real-world experience on-site while completing your formal training, setting you up with a nationally recognised qualification. With growing demand across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors—and opportunities at VAE offices throughout Australia and New Zealand—a refrigeration apprenticeship opens the door to a stable, rewarding, and future-focused career.
At VAE Group, we’re passionate about developing the next generation of industry leaders through our graduate pathways. We offer a variety of entry points for graduates across disciplines, each designed to provide hands-on experience, strong mentorship, and exposure to real-world projects from day one. Our graduate programs are tailored to help individuals build technical skills, grow professionally, and become an integral part of high-performing project teams.
Key graduate opportunities include roles in
Each pathway is backed by ongoing training and development, with clear progression opportunities across our national and international operations. At VAE, graduates aren’t just starting jobs—they’re launching long-term careers in an innovative, people-focused organisation that’s leading the way in smarter building performance.
Be a step ahead … stand out in a crowd.
Additional things to have that are either an advantage to have or will be needed prior to starting:
Head to our HR page and find out more about what it means to be apart of VAE, our Culture, Benefits, and more …
At VAE Group, we offer a wide range of career opportunities across multiple disciplines that contribute to the success of our industry-leading projects. Our team is made up of passionate professionals who collaborate across all phases of the building lifecycle, from concept and design to delivery and maintenance. Whether you’re working on-site, behind the scenes, or on the frontlines of technology, there’s a place for your skills and growth at VAE.
Our key career pathways include:
Each role plays a vital part in delivering our promise of Built in Certainty, and we’re always looking for driven, team-oriented individuals to join us in shaping the future of building performance.
VAE Group offers exciting career opportunities across a diverse range of locations including Queensland, Northern Territory, New South Wales, the ACT, as well as internationally in New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Each of these regions presents a unique chance to work on high-profile projects in sectors such as healthcare, education, commercial infrastructure, and government. Whether you prefer coastal cities, regional centres, or capital hubs, our growing footprint means there’s a place for your skills and ambition in the VAE network.
From our established branches in Brisbane, Darwin, Christchurch and Cairns to exciting growth in places like Sydney, Canberra, Tauranga and Bundaberg we’re proud to offer roles that blend hands-on experience with technical innovation. These varied locations also allow our team members to explore new environments, experience different work cultures, and contribute to meaningful projects—locally and globally. No matter where you’re based, you’ll be supported by a company that values career development, safety, and teamwork at every step.
Huge congratulations to Josh Sagigi from VAE for his incredible achievement!
Josh has been awarded the Refrigeration Apprentice of the Year at the Qld TAFE Cairns Trade Excellence Awards last month. His dedication, passion, and outstanding performance truly set him apart as an exceptional trade student.
Josh’s hard work and positive attitude have paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate his success. Congratulations to all the other winners, and nominees!
VAE apprentice, Thomas Williams received the Hutchinson Builders Safety Award for the month of May on the Thursday Island Health (TIH) Facilities Upgrade Project.
Thomas is the first VAE recipient of the Hutchies Safety award on the TIH project, where VAE are currently completing the mechanical services.
Thomas received the Safety Award for the way in which he conducts himself on site and is 100% on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The Hutchies award includes Hutchies branded backpack, pants, and football.
Congratulations Thomas, keep up the good work!
At VAE Group we engineer, construct and manage Smarter HVAC and Technology Solutions. With over 400 staff across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, we pride ourselves on providing Built in Certainty for our clients.
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