Lake Macquarie company, Air Extreme Air Conditioning has launched its 2022 Apprenticeship Program.

The program has been developed by a team of air-conditioning specialists to train new apprentices, providing additional industry opportunities to young tradespeople.

The program involves apprentices undertaking a three-year TAFE course, while working with Air Extreme to build their trade skills across a variety of domestic and commercial air conditioning projects throughout the Hunter Region and wider NSW.

Each apprentice will be taught the ropes by Air Extreme’s experienced air conditioning specialists, who will pass on practical skills and knowledge, as well as helping them hone their customer service skills, to set them up for a successful career.

Air Extreme Air Conditioning Co-Director, Mick Bull, says the new Apprenticeship Program will help their team find the next generation of talented and passionate tradesmen, as well as provide a pathway for local young people who want to begin a career in air conditioning.

“We’ve previously hired apprentices sporadically throughout the year, but we wanted to put in place a more formal approach,” Mick said.

“This is the perfect time for the program to launch, as many students are starting their senior school year, and may be feeling that school just isn’t for them. Our program gives them another option – rather than just dropping out, we give them the opportunity to try their hand at a trade instead.”

Air Extreme Air Conditioning is looking to recruit 3-4 apprentices to join their program. The ideal candidate is someone with previous work experience, who demonstrates good work ethic, ability to work in a team, and who will fit in with their laid back (but hard working) culture.

“The program is a great initiative for the community as it helps provide job opportunities for kids who don’t feel like high school or university is for them,” Mick said.

In 10 weeks alone, Air Extreme Air Conditioning has received over 100 applications for the program.

“We’ve previously hired dozens of apprentices and approximately 80% have stayed on as full time employees after they get qualified,” Mick said.

“The apprentices who have worked with us in the past have quickly found their motivation. I had one team member’s father thank us for putting his son on, as he noticed an immediate change in his attitude and work ethic.

He was getting up early, making breakfast, and was keen to work.

“We’re really proud to be offering the program, knowing we’re helping train people who will go on to do great work in the industry and community,” Mick concluded.

IMAGE | Air Extreme team member providing residential air conditioning services.