John Stephen Karapen
Leongatha,Australia
Summary
4Th-year mechanical plumbing apprentice with a specialist focus on heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R) systems. Over 4 years of direct hands-on experience installing and servicing hydronic heating, chilled water, refrigerant pipework, split systems, ducted systems and VRF/VRV installations. Ready to transfer apprenticeship and complete final qualification with a dedicated mechanical plumbing / HVAC company.
Diligent Plumber with background in hands-on training and practical application. Demonstrated ability to master new skills quickly and contribute effectively to team efforts. Proven track record of problem-solving and attention to detail in complex tasks.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
4th Year Mechanical Plumbing / HVAC-R Apprentice
South Gippsland Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
01.2021 - Current
- Installed and piped hydronic heating boilers, heat pumps and chilled water systems
- Fabricated, brazed and pressure-tested copper refrigerant lines (R410A, R32, R134a)
- Installed ducted gas heating, evaporative cooling, reverse-cycle splits and VRF multi-head systems
- Commissioned commercial refrigeration plant and cool rooms
- Installed condensate drains, pump lines and all associated mechanical services plumbing
- Consistently praised for high-quality brazing, neat pipe runs and strong work ethic
Crop Technician – Irrigation & Climate Systems
Flavorite Hydroponics
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Installed, maintained and repaired extensive high-pressure irrigation networks (PVC, poly pipe, pumps, filters and dosing units)
- Daily fault-finding and repair of water recirculation systems, reverse-osmosis plants and climate-control plumbing
- Worked with computer-controlled valves, pressure regulators and fertigation systems – directly transferable to modern HVAC and hydronic control systems
- Assisted in new glasshouse expansions including piping for heating and CO₂ distribution
- Developed strong problem-solving skills in pressurised water and gas systems
- Australia’s largest glasshouse tomato producer
Education
Refrigerant Handling Licence - Restricted
Certificate IV - Plumbing (Mechanical Services)
AGA
01.2026
Certificate III - Plumbing
AGA
01.2024
Year 10 Certificate -
Lenakel Presbyterian College
Vanuatu01.2008
Skills
- Copper brazing & silver soldering (oxy-acetylene with nitrogen purge)
- Hydronic heating & chilled water pipework (copper, PEX, steel)
- Refrigerant pipe installation, evacuation, pressure testing & charging
- Split system, ducted, VRF/VRV and cassette unit installation
- Condensate drains & pumped condensate systems
- Reading mechanical drawings and Australian Standards (AS 4254, AS 1668, AS 3500)
- Working at heights, EWP and confined space tickets
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management
- Safety awareness
- Attention to detail
- Work prioritization
- Heavy lifting
- Work site organization
- Calculations and measurements
Timeline
4th Year Mechanical Plumbing / HVAC-R Apprentice
South Gippsland Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
01.2021 - Current
Crop Technician – Irrigation & Climate Systems
Flavorite Hydroponics
01.2018 - 01.2021
Refrigerant Handling Licence - Restricted
Certificate IV - Plumbing (Mechanical Services)
AGA
Certificate III - Plumbing
AGA
Year 10 Certificate -
Lenakel Presbyterian College
Section name
- I am actively seeking to transfer my apprenticeship to a specialist mechanical plumbing and HVAC company to finish my training in the exact field I love.
- Available for immediate start and ready to contribute from day one.
- Let me know if you’d like this as a clean one-page PDF!