NextGen recognition for VASA member’s apprentice

Rowe Auto Electrical technician Charlie Rowe has been named in the Climate Control NewsNextGen 2026 top 20, a program run in partnership with the Australian Refrigeration Council that recognises the best technicians under 25 in Australia’s climate control industry.

Mr Rowe is believed to be the first automotive technician selected for the program, which has traditionally drawn its nominees from the stationary refrigeration and air conditioning sector.

The other 19 winners this year work for HVACR firms including Airmaster, Woolworths, Noppen Group and Precise Air Group.

A third-year apprentice, Mr Rowe joined the family business straight out of high school. His father, VASA vice president Mark Rowe, runs Rowe Auto Electrical.

“Joining the family business felt like a great opportunity to learn a practical trade and gain hands-on experience,” he said.

The variety of the work holds his attention; each day presents everything from air-conditioning diagnostics and refrigerant recovery to wiring harness repairs and module programming. 

Mr Rowe said the breadth of the trade is what keeps it interesting.

“No two days are ever the same,” he said. “Each day presents new challenges, and I’m constantly learning as I work with new systems and evolving technologies within the industry.”

His aim is “to continue developing my skills and knowledge and to grow into a highly capable and well-rounded technician”.

The NextGen program was established by Climate Control News to raise the profile of trade careers in the climate control sector and recognise emerging talent.

The Australian Refrigeration Council, which administers the ARCtick licensing scheme, is the program’s major sponsor.

ARC acting chief executive Susie O’Neill said the 2026 cohort demonstrated the depth of young talent coming through the industry.

That a VASA member’s apprentice has been recognised alongside the best young refrigeration and air-conditioning technicians in the country speaks volumes about how far the automotive thermal management trade has come and how seriously the broader climate control industry now takes it.