Refrigeration / Air Conditioning Mechanic

OFO No: 642702

Other names for Refrigeration Mechanic:

CLICK HERE 

Youtube clip of a Refrigeration & Air-conditioning Technician

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Refrigeration and Air-conditioning & 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 a Refrigeration & Air-conditioning Mechanic do?

• reads and interprets mechanical, electrical and architectural drawings
• installs new equipment
• is responsible for the electrical wiring of the installation
• solders and copper welds equipment
• maintains specific temperature and humidity conditions
• traces faults and fixes them
• services and does routine maintenance on equipment
• keeps 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 a Refrigeration & Air-conditioning Mechanic?

INFORMAL

You can teach yourself or learn from someone who is already qualified.

If you learn the trade in a specific company you will be able to work for THAT company or kind of company.

Example: If you learn the trade in a repair shop – you may find it difficult to be employed elsewhere.

PATH 1

• Apprenticeship (training at a TVET college and practical workplace experience under a qualified artisan)
• Trade Test

PATH 2

• Learnership: Air-conditioning, Refrigeration & Ventilation Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 3

• National Certificate (Engineering Studies) N1, 2 and N3
• Workplace experience
• Trade Test

PATH 4

• Artisan Internship
• Trade Test

PATH 5

• RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
  
• If you have already been working a long time as a Refrigeration / Air Conditioning Mechanic without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL
• Trade Test

FORMAL FET (TVET) TRAINING

• To study these at an FET (TVET) college, you will need Maths.

OR PRIVATE COLLEGES

• ACRA: Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Academy (merSETA accredited)

• PADDY’S REFRIGERATION & AIR-CONDITIONING TRAINING CENTRE: (merSETA accredited)
  

• SAIRAC: The South African Institute of. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic … or … Pipe Fitter

Is becoming a Refrigeration Mechanic & Air-conditioning the right career choice for me?