Running Blackstock Roadside Service has grown into more than just roadside assistance. We are now doing full workshop repairs, fleet servicing, batteries, tyres, diagnostics and everything in between. As the business grows, so does the need for proper qualifications.
I have been a qualified mechanic since 2012, and in that time I have worked across roadside assistance, diagnostics, mechanical repairs and now workshop and fleet servicing. As the business grows, I want to keep adding proper training and qualifications to match the level of work we are doing.
One qualification I have wanted to add for a while is the automotive air conditioning licence. This covers the training and certification required to handle refrigerant, diagnose AC faults, regas systems and repair modern climate control setups.
I have applied to complete the air conditioning course at Kangan Institute. I am waiting for them to confirm an intake date and let me know when the next opening is available. Once that is sorted, I will be starting.
Why get an air con licence
1. It is a legal requirement
In Australia you cannot regas or repair automotive AC systems without a licence. Plenty of people do it without the proper qualification but that is not how I run the business. Everything we do at BRS needs to be compliant and up to standard.
2. It is one of the most common issues we see
Every week someone asks:
“Can you check my AC”
“Why does my car blow warm air”
“Can you regas it while you are here”
Soon the answer will be yes, properly, legally and in house.
3. It adds another service for roadside and workshop customers
Once licensed we will be able to offer AC regas, leak testing, compressor diagnosis, cabin temperature issues and general AC repairs on modern petrol and diesel vehicles. This benefits both walk in customers and fleet companies that want everything done in one place.
4. It is part of levelling up the business
With the workshop expanding and more services being added, getting my AC licence is the next step toward building a full mechanical operation, not just a roadside service.
Why Kangan
Kangan Institute is one of Melbourne’s main providers for the accredited automotive air conditioning course. Their training is reputable and recognised across Australia. My enrolment request is in and I am waiting for confirmation of the next available start date.
What this means for customers
When the AC licence is complete we will be able to offer
Fully licensed AC regas and repairs
Same day service for most vehicles
Proper diagnostics instead of guessing
Fleet AC servicing
Roadside AC checks depending on the job
This means faster turnaround times and another service handled in house by a qualified technician.
In short
We are always upgrading. Vehicles, tools, workshop gear and now additional qualifications. Getting the AC licence is another step toward offering everything in one place with proper training and proper standards.
