Local refrigeration apprentice Nash Martin is one of Australia’s top 20 under 25. Local refrigeration apprentice Nash Martin has been named as one of Australia’s top 20 technicians under 25 in the annual NextGen industry awards.
The awards are run by Climate Control News (CCN) magazine and supported by the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC), the national regulator for refrigeration technicians.
Nash is employed at commercial heating, ventilation, air conditioning and fire protection specialist Beaver Williams, and discovered the trade through a friend.
Before he began his apprenticeship Nash thought electricians installed air conditioners, but now he knows they are installed by licensed refrigeration technicians.
He enjoys the constant learning on the job and he gets to travel around the city and work in different locations.
“I find the controls aspect of the job the most challenging, but I’ve found that a lot of other technicians struggle with it too, so I am not alone,” he said. Nash plans to build a solid career as a fridgie and hopes to continue at Beaver Williams and work his way up through the ranks.
NextGen recognises the top 20 climate control technicians and apprentices under 25 years of age, and encourages bright young people to consider a career in this highly specialised trade.
ARC chief executive officer Glenn Evans said climate control offered it all as a career – variety on the job, working with the latest technology, long-term job security, and great pay. “Young people entering this sector also make a vital contribution to the environment by reducing the level of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere,” he said.
“Our day-to-day life just wouldn’t be possible without refrigeration, for transporting our food, securing vaccines and medical supplies and maintaining comfortable working and living conditions. “The industry makes a real and positive difference, and NextGen helps to nurture and reward outstanding young people during their early years and encourages a love for the work.”
ARC works in partnership with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) to license businesses and individuals under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 and Regulations 1995.