Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanic
What is an Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanic?
They can work in one or two fields:
- Refrigeration
- Air-conditioners
- Ventilation systems
They install, repair and maintain the air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment used in a wide range of areas, for example: large computer rooms, hospitals, supermarkets, large corporation offices, humidors (places where they keep cigars) etc. Actually, anywhere the temperature of place must be regulated, that’s where a Refrigeration / Air Conditioning Mechanic will find work.
A good knowledge of electrical principles is essential as Refrigeration Mechanics must be able to trace a fault and make repairs and adjustments. These may be electrical or mechanical.
Refrigeration Mechanics may work in workshops or on the premises of refrigeration or air-conditioning companies.
What does an Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanic do?
- reading and interpretation of mechanical, electrical and architectural drawings
- installing of new equipment
- being responsible for the electrical wiring of the installation
- soldering and copper welding of equipment
- maintaining specific temperature and humidity conditions
- tracing faults and fixing them
- servicing and doing routine maintenance on equipment
- keeping records of work done
Are you …?
- good with your hands?
- good at mathematics?
- mechanically inclined?
- electrically inclined?
- observant?
- responsible?
- safety-conscious?
- willing to work unusual hours?
- able to read mechanical drawings and technical information?
How do I become an Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanic?
Further Education and Training Colleges (FET) offer programmes for specific Trade or Skills set such as air-conditioning & refrigeration mechanics. We advise contacting these institutions directly.
Visit the Career Planet Training Institutions page to find your nearest FET College.
Here are a few examples:
- ACRA: Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Academy (merSETA accredited)
- PADDY’S REFRIGERATION & AIR-CONDITIONING TRAINING CENTRE: (merSETA accredited)
http://www.paddystraining.co.za
- OPEN TRADE TRAINING CENTRE:
http://www.ottc.co.za/qualifications.htm
- SAIRAC: The South African Institute of. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
You may find apprenticeship positions too. Keep a look out for them on our website.
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic or Pipe Fitter
Is becoming av Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanic the right career choice for me?
See below for more info.
