Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Installer
Job Description:Refrigeration and air-conditioning installers work on air quality and cooling systems in buildings, storage and transport.
Job Category:What you will do:
In this job, you’ll:
- survey sites where cooling systems are to be fitted
- plan the layout of pipework, ducts and control panels
- install components
- provide scheduled maintenance on systems
- find and fix faults
- carry out quality checks to make sure systems are working properly and safely
- retrofit buildings to meet environmental standards
- work on refrigerated transport
- advise customers on ways to reduce their energy use
Skills:
You’ll need:
- the ability to repair machines or systems
- practical skills for installing equipment
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
As well as:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- customer service skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- problem-solving skills (creative skills)
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- persistence and determination (ambition/drive)
Entry Requirements:
To become a Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Installer, you will need to focus on acquiring a combination of technical and practical skills. While specific subjects may not be mandatory for entry into this field, certain subjects and skills can be beneficial in preparing you for a career in refrigeration and air conditioning. Here are some relevant subjects:
- Mathematics: A good understanding of mathematics is crucial for taking measurements, making calculations, and ensuring precise installations.
- Science: Subjects like Physics and Chemistry can provide you with a foundational understanding of the principles involved in refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
- Design and Technology: Courses related to design and technology can help you develop practical skills and knowledge in working with tools and equipment, which are essential for installation and maintenance tasks.
- ICT (Information and Communication Technology): Proficiency in using computers can be helpful for reading technical diagrams, schematics, and manuals.
- Mechanical Engineering: While not typically offered, if your school offers relevant vocational courses or extracurricular activities related to mechanical engineering, they can be beneficial.
- Electrical Engineering: Basic knowledge of electrical systems and circuits is important, as refrigeration and air conditioning systems often have electrical components.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
College
You may be able to take a college course, to give you some of the knowledge and skills needed to help find a job as a trainee. Courses include:
- Level 2 Diploma in Access to Building Services Engineering
- Level 2 Diploma in Installing and Maintaining Refrigeration Systems
- Level 3 Diploma in Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Systems
- T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction
Apprenticeship
You could train for this job through an apprenticeship, such as:
- Building Services Engineering Installer Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Engineering Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Mobile Transport Refrigeration Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
These can take between 2 and 3 years to complete.
Working Hours and Environment:
Typically you could work 48 to 50 hours a week.
You could work at a client’s business.
Your working environment may be cramped, dusty, cold and you’ll travel often.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could become a refrigeration engineer, designing cooling systems, or move into building services engineering or plumbing. You could also set up your own business.