Refrigeration and air-conditioning installer

You could study for a higher national certificate or diploma in building services engineering.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, including a science

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

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 installer.

Courses include:

• access to building services engineering
• installing and maintaining refrigeration systems
• refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump systems
• T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You could train for this job by applying for an apprenticeship, such as:

• Building Services Engineering Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
• 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

Foundation apprenticeship

You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.

If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:

• have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
• are in care or have been in care
• are in prison or have been in prison

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Registrations

you can register for an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board (ACRIB) skillcard to show you are qualified to work in the industry

Career Tips

The Institute of Refrigeration has developed careers resources about refrigeration aimed at young people and teachers.

Further Information

You can find out more about becoming a refrigeration and air-conditioning installer from the Institute of Refrigeration and the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board .

As a refrigeration and air-conditioning installer, you'll:

• plan the layout of pipework, ducts and control panels
• install components
• provide scheduled maintenance and find and fix faults
• perform quality checks to make sure systems are working properly and safely
• retrofit buildings to meet new environmental standards
• fit or remove systems on refrigerated transport
• advise clients on ways to reduce their energy use

You could work at a client's business.

Your working environment may be cramped, cool and you'll travel often.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.