The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) is paving the way for a future-ready workforce by positioning climate control as a career of first choice, starting in high school.

In a bold step to raise the profile of the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) industry, ARC is developing dedicated course content tailored to the RAC field. The goal is to integrate this content into the national high school curriculum to spark early interest and give students a clear understanding of the science, technology, and career pathways within climate control.

By embedding climate control course into classroom learning, ARC is helping to demystify the industry and create a direct pathway into vocational and tertiary training. Students will gain insight into the everyday relevance of RAC, from comfort and safety to sustainability and innovation, making it a compelling career option from a young age.

This foundational approach is key to building awareness, confidence, and aspiration. Early engagement helps students make informed choices and increases uptake in RAC-related courses. It also helps foster informed decision-making and encourages greater participation in RAC-related courses, supporting the industry's growth amid rising demand and rapid technological change.

“By introducing climate control into high school education, we’re not just informing students, we’re inspiring them,” said Glenn Evans, Chief Executive Officer at ARC. “This is about showing young people that climate control is a career with purpose, innovation, and long-term opportunity.”

ARC’s curriculum initiative is a strategic investment in shaping the minds of tomorrow. It ensures the next generation sees climate control not just as a trade, but as a vital and future-focused profession.

If you're an educator, curriculum advisor, or school leader interested in bringing real-world climate control learning into your classrooms, ARC invites you to connect and be part of this transformative initiative. Together, we can inspire students to explore meaningful careers in refrigeration and air conditioning, where innovation meets sustainability.