Refrigeration and air conditioning engineer
Design, install and repair cooling systems in buildings so they are safe and effective.
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£385
Entry level
£673
Experienced
Monthly
£1,667
Entry level
£2,917
Experienced
Yearly
£20,000
Entry level
£35,000
Experienced
Information not available
people are currently employed
Low growth
No change in number of jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would design, install and repair cooling systems in buildings so they are safe and effective.
You could specialise in refrigeration. You’d then work on cooling systems in places like:
Supermarkets
Restaurants
Hospitals
Food processing plants
Factories
If you instead specialise in air conditioning, you would install and maintain the systems that control the air quality, temperature and humidity inside modern buildings. These include offices, schools and leisure complexes.
Whichever area you work in, you would:
Survey the buildings where cooling systems are to be fitted
Discuss requirements with customers
Produce quotes for work
Design and install systems
Run quality checks to make sure systems work properly and safely
Diagnose and fix faults
Do planned maintenance
You would also advise customers on how to reduce their energy consumption. You’d be working with renewable energy technologies and the special types of gas used in systems that do not damage the Earth’s atmosphere.
You need to be able to follow technical drawings, building plans and other instructions. It would be important to understand and adopt safe working practices.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Energy Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- understanding
- taking initiative
- attention to detail
- observation
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- evaluating
- resourceful
- verbal communication
- reading
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Design and Technology
Engineering Science
Physics
Practical Craft Skills
Practical Electronics
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
You could do a Modern Apprenticeship leading to a relevant Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Electrical Installation or Install, Commission and Maintain Refrigeration Systems (SVQ level 2/3).
Or a National Certificate (SCQF level 7), a National Qualification (SCQF level 7), a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) in areas like Electrical Engineering.
Entry requirements for a Modern Apprenticeship vary but employers may ask for up to four qualifications at SCQF level 4/5. You usually have to pass an aptitude test before you can start training.
Qualifications that show understanding and experience of the industry such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCQF level 5).
Once in a job you must hold current F Gas Certification. You may achieve this as part of a relevant work-based qualification such as Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Install, Commission and Maintain Refrigeration Systems (SVQ level 2/3) or City and Guilds Refrigerant Handling.
You will need a driving licence for most jobs.
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