Find out everything you need to know about becoming a Refrigeration Technician.

Job Title - Refrigeration Technician

Description

A Refrigeration Technician works in workshops, building sites, factories, manufacturing shops and customers’ houses. They install several components which form the refrigeration system. Refrigeration technicians are skilled in electronics and understand airflow techniques.

Typical Job Activities

Reads and interprets mechanical, electrical and architectural drawings
Installs new equipment
Are responsible for the electrical wiring of installations
Solders and coppers welding equipment
Maintains specific temperature and humidity conditions
Traces faults and fixes them
Services and does routine maintenance on equipment
Keeps records of work done

Does this sound like a career for you? Browse jobs in the engineering and construction industry here.

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Pipe Fitter
Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic

Educational Requirements

Grade 9 Certificate
Some employers prefer higher qualifications

There are various paths you can follow to become a Refrigeration Technician:

Informally you can teach yourself or learn from someone who is qualified. If you learn the trade from a specific company you’ll be able to work for that company or a similar one

Formally, you can do the following:

· Apprenticeship (training at a TVET college and practical workplace experience under a qualified artisan)
· Learnership: Air-conditioning, Refrigeration & Ventilation Level 2, 3 and 4
· Artisan Internship
· National Certificate (Engineering Studies) N1, 2 and N3 and gain workplace experience
· Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) for Artisans. If you have already been working a long time as a Bricklayer without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL.

*All include trade tests

Compulsory subjects: None
Recommended subjects: Mathematics, Engineering and Graphic Design, Physical Sciences and Mechanical Technology

What natural skills and/or aptitudes do I need for this occupation?

Have mechanical aptitude
Be able to think logically
Enjoy working with your hands
Be able to liaise well with clients
Have mathematical aptitude
Be able to pay attention to detail
Be interested in problem-solving
Be accurate and work carefully
Be able to work without direct supervision

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Employment Opportunities

Moderate

Market Competitiveness

Moderate

Income Potential

Moderate

Self-Employment Opportunities

High

International Employment Market Opportunities

Moderate

Possible Employers

Air conditioning and refrigeration contracting companies
Wholesalers and manufacturers
Large industrial plants
Public service sections
Carbonated soft-drink Industry
Self-employment, with enough experience and capital, can start own business

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Relevant Contact Details

The Steel & Engineering Industries Federation
www.seifsa.co.za

ACRA (Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Academy)
www.acra.co.za

Paddy's Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Training Centre
http://www.paddystraining.co.za

Working conditions

Work is non-repetitive
Some element of danger in the work
Dirty working conditions at times
Having to work shifts or overtime or be away from home for periods of time

Career Progress and Path

Further studies in related fields
Further on-the-job training
Experience in related fields
General management studies

Possible Career Paths

Management positions in related fields
General business management
Own business

Employment Stability

Very stable  

Reasons to consider this career

A job in private companies
To start my own business
A stable job
To become a manager
To work with my hands
To learn new things
To face intellectual challenges
To apply my special skills
To work on my own
To work flexible hours