HVAC & Plumbing in Australia: Courses, Apprenticeships, Industry Associations & Standards

Introduction

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) and plumbing are trades that are essential to the domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors in Australia. The HVAC trade encompasses the installation and maintenance of heating, ventilation, and refrigeration equipment and systems, and the plumbing trade involves construction and maintenance of services to supply water and drainage, dispose of wastewater, and use natural gas.

Both industries provide careers in new construction and maintenance and improvement of existing buildings. They can provide affordable training opportunities through vocational education, apprenticeships, and specialist training, and with experience, the opportunity to become supervisors, contractors, or business owners.

But there is more to the trade than just passing the course. Training may require workers to meet other criteria, like the right qualification, a refrigerant-handling certificate, an electrical or plumbing licence or registration, or contractor registration.

This article outlines the primary HVAC and plumbing career pathways in Australia, the requirements for each of them, training duration, associations, codes, and technical standards, licensing, and the business management tools used by contractors.

Overview of the HVAC and Plumbing Industries in Australia

HVAC and plumbing tradesmen are present in construction, building upkeep and repair, infrastructure manufacturing, hospitality, and health care, among other fields. There’s often some degree of collaboration between these trades on a given construction project when mechanical systems, infrastructure, water, and drainage are part of the specifications.

HVAC technicians and refrigeration mechanics service and maintain ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment. They might work on compressors, condensers, evaporators, electrical controls, refrigerant pipework, fans, or systems that distribute air.

Plumbers are responsible for installation and repair of plumbing systems covering, water supply, sanitary plumbing, pipework, and drainage and pipe work or related to gas services. They may be working on domestic or commercial bathrooms, industrial plants, or stormwater and mechanical services.

The two trades can collaborate on larger projects. For instance, commercial buildings often need coordination among plumbers, mechanical services contractors, electricians, and HVAC technicians when installing plant rooms, chilled-water systems, drainage, and other building services.

Career Prospects and Indicative Salaries

Job options for HVAC include residential air conditioning, commercial refrigeration, industrial cooling, mechanical services, and building maintenance. Technicians specialising in commercial refrigeration controls, diagnostics, and more specialised systems tend to have different job opportunities compared to those specialising mainly in residential systems.

If you are looking for HVAC technician salary in Australia, then the Jobs and Skills for Australia’s occupation profile gives a guide. In May 2025, earnings information states that median weekly full-time wages for air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics are about A$2,100, or around A$109,200 annually (multiplied by 52 weeks). Note that this is a statistical benchmark and not a prospect for earnings as a starting salary rate, and factors affecting actual salary can include experience, location, overtime allowances, your employer and specialisation.

Jobs and Skills Australia

Plumbing provides jobs in residential maintenance, commercial construction, drainage, gas fitting and industrial work. So if you want to know “what can I earn as a plumber in Australia?” then the Australian plumbing salary can guide you depending on the kind of work you’re doing irrespective of you’re license, how experienced you are, where you’re working, and if you’re self-employed or an employee. Jobs and Skills Australia’s May 2025 figures say plumbers earned a median full-time weekly wage of around $1,990, or $103,480 a year (simple 52-week calculation).

These figures are meant to be rough comparisons. Apprentices have varying pay rates, and the income a business generates is not the same as the apprentice’s salary when you are self-employed.

HVAC Courses in Australia: Training and Qualification Options

Students interested in HVAC courses in Australia may choose from vocational education, apprenticeships, and specialised technical training. The right route depends on whether they want to focus on refrigeration, HVAC and refrigeration, air conditioning and mechanical services, or some other specialist field.

While a nationally recognised qualification will give you formal training, experience working in the workplace is just as important. Refrigerant lines, mechanical equipment, electrical systems, tools, and processes are all physically present in the workplace.

Certificate Courses and Vocational Training

An important qualification pathway is the Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. The national training register identifies UEE32220 as a qualification that encompasses the selection of components, installation, setup, testing, fault diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. It also covers regulatory requirements related to the purchasing and handling of refrigerants.

Training may cover:

• Summary of refrigeration theory and system parts.
• The work involved in fitting air conditioning and refrigerator appliances.
• Procedure for refrigerant handling and recovery.
• Electrical testing and fault finding within the scope permitted.
• Pipework, brazing and mechanical joints.
• Air supply and ventilation.
• Check and set the system and performance.
• Health and safety procedures at work.
• Repairs and maintenance.

The delivery of training will differ from registered training organisations. Apprentices will have their training delivered by a combination of on-the-job and off-the-job training, although some delivery models will be available through some training providers.

Students should verify the current qualification code and version before registration. They need to verify that the provider is registered to deliver the qualification and ensure the course is eligible for the training requirements to undertake the work.

Specialised HVAC Training and Further Education

Once trained, the technician can specialize in certain equipment or applications. Commercial HVAC, industrial refrigeration, chilled-water plants, variable refrigerant flow systems, and building automation can require further technical training.

Further training may cover:

• Refrigeration and refrigeration systems for commercial use.
• Building control management systems, HVAC controls.
• Minimising energy use and optimisation of the system.
• State-of-the-art electrical and mechanical testing.
• Refrigerant replacements and disposal of refrigerants.
• Commissioning and performance testing.
• Equipment inspections and preventative maintenance.

Why Continued Training is Necessary: Industry equipment and refrigerant demand, plus best practices, are always evolving. Technicians who update their skills will be more comfortable servicing new equipment and assume expanded specialised responsibilities.

How to Choose an HVAC Course

Compare more than the course title before registration. Verify the registered training organisation (RTO). Check that the qualification is nationally accredited and that you will receive adequate practice in training.

Ask about workshop facilities and equipment, assessment methods, trainer experience, delivery times, and total cost. If you plan to start your industry career through an apprenticeship, ensure the course can be delivered under the appropriate training contract.

And whatever you do, don’t ever think that taking a brief HVAC course anywhere authorises you to carry out any refrigeration, electrical, or mechanical services work. Licences and authorisations are distinct from the qualification and specific to the work and location.

 

HVAC Apprenticeships and Career Pathways in Australia

The apprenticeship program is a combination of paid employment and on-the-job specialized training. Apprentices learn how to install, service, diagnose, and repair various equipment under appropriate supervision.

Typical duties for apprentices begin with the basics of setting up work areas, material and tool handling, supporting installation work, and following safety procedures and rules. As expertise increases, responsibilities may expand to pipe connections, electrical testing (within scope of work), commissioning, troubleshooting, and diagnostics.

The apprenticeship route offers the apprentice vocational experience that is unachievable in the classroom. It allows them to experience various forms of equipment, being in different customers’ locations and the challenges they face.

Once workers have obtained the necessary training and meet the required workplace competencies, they are eligible to take employment as a qualified technician. As they become more experienced, potential jobs may include: senior technician, service supervisor, commissioning specialist, estimator, project co-ordinator and/or business owner.

Electrical Career Pathways

Refrigeration and air conditioning certification in no way replaces a qualified electrician. A lot of major HVAC work has electrical elements, but a refrigeration and air-conditioning certification is not the same as that of a certified electrician.

What do people interested in becoming electricians in Australia study? Typically, students who want to learn “how to become an electrician in australia“ are required to undertake an electrical apprenticeship and the appropriate national training package, usually a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician, before fulfilling the licensing standards for the state or territory.

Certain HVAC trade licences also specify limited electrical skills, which are limited to electrical work related to refrigeration and air conditioning units. These do not automatically enable a tradesperson to undertake the full spectrum of electrical work. For instance, NSW has distinct electrical requirements that relate to work on either air conditioning and refrigeration units or the extensive electrical wiring tied to this work.

Comparing Electrical and HVAC Earnings

The average salary for an electrician in Australia is a useful point of comparison when measuring earnings between other comparable trades in the technical trades industry. Based on Jobs and Skills Australia’s May 2025 estimates of full-time weekly median earnings, electricians earn around A$2191 or A$ 113,932 per year. By way of comparison, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics earn a median A$2,100/week.

They are indicative averages, but these figures don’t imply one trade will always earn more than another. Earnings depend on experience, specialisation, location, conditions of employment, individual to the workplace, employment arrangements and shiftwork.

Plumbing Courses and Apprenticeships in Australia

Plumbing is typically entered through a mix of vocational training and an apprenticeship. A common credential is the CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing, which includes work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

It is defined by the national training register as covering water services, sanitary plumbing, sanitary drainage, gas, roofing, and mechanical services. It is intended to be learned and assessed in the workplace, not in a classroom.

CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing

Students learn to cut, join, and measure pipes, install fixtures, read plan drawings, test systems, trace faults, and apply plumbing codes. They might also be introduced to drain lines, water pressure, pipe types, safety measures, installation requirements, and other practical skills.

The actual units and electives will vary given the qualification pathway being followed and the type of plumbing work the apprentice will be working on. For instance, a person on a mechanical services plumbing pathway may undertake different elective training than someone looking to go into roof plumbing or drainage.

How Long Is a Plumbing Apprenticeship in Australia?

People considering the trade often ask “how long is a plumbing apprenticeship in Australia?“ A plumbing apprenticeship in Australia is usually approximately four years in length, combining paid hours in the workplace and structured training.

Victorian Government’s apprenticeship information notes the level of qualification required to become a licensed plumber; Victoria’s Apprenticeship information notes four years as a standard length for a plumbing apprenticeship. Queensland’s Certificate III in Plumbing information indicates the same four years as an estimated apprenticeship duration.

But the training period can differ in reality. Part-time schedules could extend the period of training, and recognition of previous learning or experience may influence the training schedule. A learner must achieve all the competencies and meet their training contract requirements, not just time.

Plumbing Career Opportunities and Specialisations

Qualified plumbers can work in several areas:

• Residential plumbing: Installing and repairing water supply, bathrooms, kitchens and domestic fixtures.
• Commercial plumbing: Working on plumbing systems in offices, retail properties, hotels and other large buildings.
• Industrial plumbing: Maintaining pipework and water systems in factories and industrial facilities.
• Drainage: Installing and maintaining stormwater, sewerage and underground drainage systems.
• Gas fitting: Working on gas appliances, pipework and associated systems where appropriately licensed.
• Roof plumbing: Installing and maintaining roof drainage, gutters, downpipes and related components.
• Mechanical services plumbing: Working on building services such as heating and cooling water systems.

Additional qualifications, experience and licensing can help plumbers move into specialised work, supervision, estimating or business ownership.

HVAC Associations in Australia and Their Role in the Industry

Industry associations provide technical information, professional development, networking, and representation for HVAC professionals, contractors, manufacturers, engineers, and employers.

Here are some other associations related to the refrigeration, air conditioning, and mechanical services industry for those looking for an HVAC association in Australia.

AIRAH

The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) is a technical, not-for-profit organisation for professionals and practitioners. It brings career development, technical information, industry events, networking, and resources for those working in and across the built environment. Membership has professional and student routes, and benefits will vary by membership grade.

So, why is this relevant? AIRAH is particularly important for those who have an interest in building services engineering, HVAC design, technical operations, and professional development.

AMCA Australia

Air Conditioning & Mechanical Contractors Association (AMCA Australia) is an association comprising air conditioning and mechanical services contractors. The association provides representation for mechanical services, businesses, and their interests.

ARC Industry Site

Trade contractors may benefit from participation in associations to learn industry updates, make connections, and see the issues impacting mechanical services companies.

Australian Refrigeration Council

The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) manages the Australian refrigerant handling licensing and refrigerant trading authorisation scheme. It is relevant for technicians and operators using regulated refrigerants.

The ARC also recognises industry associations such as AIRAH, AMCA Australia and AREMA. Industry associations will have varied purposes, and membership of an industry association is not the same as having a statutory licence.

Technical Equipment and Resources

HVAC professionals use adequate testing, installation, and maintenance equipment. The standard businessses use Australian HVAC tools such as multimeters; clamp meters; temperature probes; anemometers; pressure gauges; vacuum pumps; refrigerant leak detectors.

The equipment is suitable for the system and task, is maintained in a safe working order, and used by trained operators. Industry guidance, practical training material, and technical literature will support professionals to know the right approach but will not give the right qualifications and licences.

HVAC Maintenance Standards and Compliance in Australia

Heating and cooling maintenance standards support proper, safe, and reliable operation of heating and cooling equipment. They also support system performance, IAQ, energy efficiency, and applicable legal requirements.

These requirements may be specified in Australian Standards, the National Construction Code, occupational health and safety laws, the manufacturer’s instructions, and refrigerant-handling regulations.

The phrase HVAC maintenance standards Australia covers several different areas rather than one universal maintenance standard. A contractor must identify which requirements apply to the equipment, building work activity, and jurisdiction.

HVAC Safety and Refrigerant Handling Requirements

There are requirements for handling refrigerants in Australia. A person who performs work that might release a regulated refrigerant into the environment should hold a valid Refrigerant Handling Licence, and businesses that take ownership of, dispose of, or trade in refrigerants may also require a Refrigerant Trading Authorisation.

The ARC is responsible for these licensing and authorisation arrangements. Remember to check the category of licence you need to carry out this work and ensure you hold the appropriate authorisation.

Another factor to consider is that HVAC technicians may find themselves working on live electrical parts, motor control boxes, and high-voltage devices. They are required to adhere to relevant electrical safety standards and only carry out work within their permitted scope and competence.

Additional hazards include working in elevated locations and at roof plant, lifting, climbing, working in confined spaces, and exposure to moving machinery. Correct personal protective equipment, risk assessments, isolation techniques and safe work procedures are required.

Maintenance Responsibilities for HVAC Contractors

The maintenance programme should follow the recommendations of the equipment manufacturers, the building requirements, operating environment and standards. Examples of typical activities that can be included are inspection of filters, coil cleaning, electrical connections inspection, condensate drainage inspection, fans, and recording equipment checks.

Commercial buildings may need more regularly scheduled maintenance, as a failure with an air conditioning system can impact users and the running of the business. Record work carried out, faults, and recommendations, replacement parts, etc.

HVAC field service management software allows contractors to organize maintenance work, track the activity of technicians, and store service records. With software, managers can view scheduled jobs, delegate tasks, and consult prior service records without having to keep track of everything using paper or spreadsheets.

Scheduled recurring visits for inspections and regular maintenance can also be managed by field service scheduling software. Office staff can coordinate appointments based on technicians’ schedules, location of the site, whether the site has necessary equipment, and how the customer accesses the site.

Digital systems can help in the administration, but the maintenance must still be carried out by qualified personnel per the relevant technical and safety requirements.

Australia Plumbing Standards, Regulations, and Licensing

Licensing of plumbing work in Australia is controlled by legislation in each state or territory in Australia, as well as the national construction requirements. The National Construction Code (NCC) comprises the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA), which brings technical requirements for plumbing and drainage.

The PCA is enacted on a state and territory basis. Administrative obligations (e.g., licensing, registration, permits, and inspections) are implemented under local legislation.

The Australian plumbing standards system is quite complex, and there isn’t one national licence or national legislation that applies everywhere. You must both know the technical standards and be familiar with the local regulations.

Key Plumbing Standards and Codes

The AS/NZS 3500 series is the defining series of standards for plumbing and drainage for NZ and Australia. The series includes these parts:

• AS/NZS 3500.1: Water services.
• AS/NZS 3500.2: Sanitary plumbing and drainage.
• AS/NZS 3500.3: Stormwater drainage.
• a. AS/NZS 3500.4: Heated water services.

A new version (2025) of the AS/NZS 3500 series was released by Standards Australia on 17 April 2025, updating the 2021 version. The Building and Plumbing Commission in Victoria explains that work done from 20 October 2025 must conform to the 2025 version under the Victoria-specific arrangements.

Building and Plumbing Commission

This is a good reminder to verify which edition has been adopted by the competent jurisdiction and the relevant implementation dates for a project. The publication date of a standard and the date upon which it comes into legal effect are not always coincident.

The requirements are outlined in the Plumbing Code of Australia. Compliance options include a Deemed-to-Satisfy solution, which can be via referenced standards, or a Performance Solution that is appropriately developed to the Plumbing Code of Australia to demonstrate the desired performance outcomes. NSW Government guidance on compliance options for plumbing and drainage work.

Plumbing Licences and Compliance Responsibilities

Plumber licensing varies from state to state and territory to territory. In some locations and classifications of work, registration, a licence, a contractor’s licence, or some other type of approval may be required.

For instance, Victoria mandates that plumbers attain the applicable qualification and meet registration standards, which could involve tests and demonstration of skills. The Victorian procedure also makes a separation between registration and licensing.

Elsewhere, the relevant regulator may operate with separate categories for plumbing, drainage, gas fitting, or for contractors. Some kinds of work may require further endorsements or specialist authorisations.

Ensure you and your plumbers and business are up-to-date with your qualifications, licences, insurance, and compliance documentation. Check if a plumbing permit, inspection, or compliance certificate is needed before you start the work.

Technology and Business Management in HVAC and Plumbing

Customer enquiries, booking jobs, and scheduling technicians, quoting parts, invoicing, and service records- these activities are all handled by HVAC and plumbing service companies. Managing this workflow via phone calls, emails, spreadsheets, and forms gets increasingly complex with growth.

Digital systems can link office administration with field operations, enabling companies to achieve greater transparency and more uniform records.

Job creation, scheduling tech updates, customer data, and invoicing are all integrated by a field service software. Connecting this workflow can save duplicate data entry and simplify tracking open jobs.

Field service CRM software assists contractors in managing customer records, service histories, property information, and follow-up reminders. This proves valuable when a customer requests recurring maintenance or takes a technician to return to previously completed jobs.

Field service dispatching software enables dispatching, such as job prioritization, urgent work, and technician dispatching based on technician availability, location, skill set, and current workload. In times of peak load, dispatch visibility can aid managers in planning work with breakdown prioritisation and scheduling long-term work.

Quotes can be generated using field service quoting software for field installations, repairs, and maintenance. Quoting can be displayed as labour, equipment, materials, and travel charges, or other pre-determined charges.

Field service invoicing software allows companies to bill customers for completed jobs and monitor open invoices. When workers record job information and parts used, office employees spend less time following up on invoicing.

They are not to replace trade, licence, or technical judgement and regulatory compliance. But they are to make the business side of their qualified work simpler to manage.

Business Software for HVAC and Plumbing Contractors

The appropriate software varies per the contractor’s size, trade specialization, team organization, and operational complexity. A sole trader might require simple booking and invoicing functions, whereas a larger contractor could need software that integrates customer management, inventory control, fleet operations, and project administration.

The software search terms below all cover a need in the business. Whatever platform is used, it should be possible to compare the features and integrations and not only choose by category (CRM, PM, etc.) or marketing.

Job Management and Customer Relationships

Some features to consider when choosing the best job management software in Australia are workflows that handle the entire job from start to finish. In particular, handy are job booking, assigning work to a technician, updating job status, communicating to customers, and keeping records of the service.

Best crm software for enterprises in Australia makes it easy to keep customer information, records of property, past work, and follow-up tasks. A good customer record can give your tradespeople context on a site before they arrive.

For bigger contractors, the requirements can be more demanding. It could be relevant to compare the best crm software in Australia for enterprise if your organisation has multiple branches, customers, service teams, or approval processes. An enterprise system should provide access controls, reporting, and integration with other business systems.

Invoicing and Financial Administration

Best invoicing software in Australia for a contractor should allow: clear invoices, payment tracking, tax needs, and accounting processes.

Small businesses may want to keep it simple when selecting the best invoicing software for small business Australia, with simple invoice estimates, expenses, and reminders.

Features to consider among the top invoice apps in Australia includes support for Australian tax, support for online payments, recurring invoices, credit notes, and accounting integrations. Ultimately, the ideal choice is based on the number of transactions and the method of bookkeeping used by the company.

Fleet, Inventory and Enterprise Operations

Service vehicle contractors can use the best fleet management software in Australia to analyze information on vehicle tracking, vehicle maintenance reminders, fuel costs, and travel data. Fleet visibility can help managers keep in touch with technicians and control the costs related to vehicles.

Organizations that require interaction among finance, buying inventory, and operations might look for the best ERP software in Australia. While an ERP system can integrate multiple management functions, smaller contractors might not require a complete enterprise solution.

Project and Construction Management

With bigger installation jobs, you could be coordinating with a team of technicians, subcontractors, and suppliers, as well as site managers and construction stages. The best project management software in Australia will allow you to assign tasks, timelines, documentation, and progress reports.

On sites with multiple contractors, the best construction management software in Australia can help manage subcontractors and site activities, project documents, approvals, and delivery requirements.

The best construction estimating software in Australia can also be used to compile labour and material quotes for a project that has to do with a larger building project, such as plumbing or HVAC. Estimating can help keep project budgets under control.

Property Management and Related Field Services

The best property management software in Australia can assist property managers in managing requests from tenants, approval for maintenance work, and communication with trade contractors. HVAC and plumbing businesses managing property portfolios can provide job instructions, access to information, and updates on services.

Some additional service jobs can not be scheduled without collaboration. Take Australian pest control software, which relates to companies that designate field people, keep tabs on customer info, minimize duplicative trips, and record finished jobs. Pest control may be an alternate trade, though the collective task tracking necessities show why connected scheduling and customer-management operations are a necessity for field-service companies.

HVAC and Plumbing Industry Marketing and Business Growth

Technical competence counts, but it also needs a way for the contractor to actually draw a customer in and put them in touch with them. Location-based searching, good website content, reviews, and clear details of the trade’s service area can all help consumers find qualified traders.

Consider have a business website describe the work your company carries out, where you serve, your experience and the types of clients you support. Individual service pages separate air conditioning for homes, commercial refrigeration, a plumbing repair business, drain service, service agreements and installation work.

Don’t make sweeping references to licences or qualifications; if possible, display relevant insurance details, project images and client reviews so that potential customers can determine whether the company is right for them.

If you’re investing in HVAC SEO Australia, try to rank for localised search queries that your potential customers are using, for example, air conditioning installation, commercial HVAC maintenance, and refrigeration repairs in your location. Proper citations, content, reviews, and maps are beneficial to local SEO.

You may want to also consider other aspects of your business like reputation management. Customer engagement with appropriate responses to customer enquiries, providing quotations, making appointments, follow-up, and after-service can assist in retaining and attracting new business. Customer service may extend online.

Career Prospects and the Future of HVAC and Plumbing in Australia

HVAC and plumbing are hands-on industries with potential in new buildings, upgrades, maintenance, and niche services. Skilled professionals are required to carry out installations and maintenance, and to test and maintain valuable building systems.

I have seen a shift in skill demand for HVAC: heat pumps, smart controls, better ventilation, and low-emission refrigerants are all impacting the equipment technicians work with. There is an increased potential for people to gain skills in system diagnostics, commissioning, controls, and energy performance.

Plumbing tradespeople will still be required to manage water supply, drainage, sanitary, and building improvement works. The need for works like maintenance, renovation, and infrastructure could provide some opportunities over and above new residential builds.

Your career path can continue to extend beyond being a fully qualified tradesperson. Experienced tradespeople can take on team leadership and supervision, estimating, project coordination, technical sales, apprenticeship instruction, or business ownership. Successful contractors with technical and people skills can grow into specialist projects or commercial maintenance contracts.

Continuous learning, engagement in industry associations, and staying informed with current standards can assist members to upskill. To grow at the business level, business owners should consider how their technical skills, combined with structured scheduling, record-keeping, purchasing, and financial management, can work.

Conclusion

HVAC and plumbing trades offer a range of career and business opportunities in Australia’s residential, commercial, and industrial markets. Careers in the HVAC industry include access to nationally approved refrigeration and air conditioning courses, apprenticeships, and specialised technical training. Plumbing can follow a comparable route, often involving a Certificate III level qualification and apprenticeships.

Industry bodies like AIRAH and AMCA Australia assist with business and professional issues, and the Australian Refrigeration Council oversees key licensing requirements for refrigerant handling. Technical compliance is equally crucial: refrigeration and HVAC professionals must adhere to safety, refrigerant, and equipment criteria, while plumbers need to work to the Plumbing Code of Australia, relevant standards (like AS/NZS 3500) and specific licensing conditions.

It is best to be aware that qualifications, licences, and standards are not the same. Attending a course will not grant you the right to do all types of trade work, and requirements differ across state and territory borders.

In the medium to long term, any technician or contractor takes a combination of recognised training, real-world expertise, up-to-date technical know-how, and business expertise. With this as a base, jobs can be rewarding, and trade business models can be successful as Australia’s building services industries continue to change.