Trade Schools With Refrigeration Programs
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Those who are good with their hands, possess strong troubleshooting skills, and enjoy solving problems should consider a career in refrigeration. Students who attend refrigeration schools learn to properly fix maintenance issues within units like vending machines, air conditioning units, and industrial-sized coolers.
Whether they work independently or as part of a corporation, refrigeration technicians often meet with clients to review problems, keep detailed records of each job, and complete several projects per day. The ideal candidate can communicate effectively, possesses strong time-management skills, and is detail-oriented.
What Is Refrigeration?
Refrigeration technicians install and repair units in both residential and commercial areas. These include ice machines in hotels, freezers in restaurants, and even standard house-hold refrigerators. Job hopefuls should possess basic electrical and engineering skills to properly recognize and fix any issues within these units.
Most employers look to hire workers with refrigeration degrees or certificates. Likewise, successful technicians should undergo hands-on training through their job or an outside apprenticeship. These programs help to prepare individuals for the day-to-day duties or issues that a mechanic may experience.
Depending on their location, entry-level workers typically earn about $30k a year. However, as they continue to build their refrigeration resume, learn new skills, and become more knowledgeable of the trade, employees can make about $58k.
What Are Refrigeration Technician Job Duties?
Mechanics complete a number of refrigeration duties throughout their workdays. Most importantly, these workers visit homes and businesses to install and maintain refrigeration systems. These units must be up to code and working properly to ensure the safe storage or transportation of things like food, medicine, and other items that need to stay cool.
Also, customers may call a refrigerator mechanic to repair or replace any broken parts in the unit. These employees must follow strict government regulations to properly dispose of fluids, defective wiring, or other components.
Some additional refrigeration duties include:
- Keeping written or electronic records of jobs performed
- Meeting with customers to discuss service contracts
- Review any unit malfunctions or issues with clients
- Perform routine inspections on commercial units
- Repair electrical wiring
What Types of Skills Should Refrigeration Mechanics Possess?
Those who wish to succeed in refrigeration careers should possess a number of specific skills. These workers spend much of their time troubleshooting issues on commercial and residential units. Refrigeration technicians must quickly identify the problems and determine the best way to repair them.
Another crucial skill for a successful refrigeration technician is time-management. Mechanics often have a set number of calls each day that they must attend to. They should be able to complete each task in a timely yet efficient manner in order to get everything done.
Detail oriented individuals often do well in these positions. Refrigeration technicians keep thorough records of all work performed during the day. These reports typically include the starting and end times of each job, the location, as well as a detailed list of what was done. Employers then review these documents to make sure each employee is staying on track and performing well.
How Do Refrigeration Technicians Maintain Their Workspace?
Though some refrigeration technicians may have a small office in a factory, most of their day is spent on the road traveling to different jobsites. They usually take a company car or van filled with all of the necessary tools and supplies to complete their daily assignments. Workers should thoroughly check the vehicle prior to leaving to make sure they have everything they need.
Why Do Refrigeration Technicians Need Customer-Service Skills?
While most of their work is done individually, refrigeration technicians may need to meet with customers to discuss any issues or concerns that the client is experiencing. Possessing strong customer service skills allows the mechanics to communicate the issue properly, deal with unsatisfied clients, and offer solutions when possible.
How Do Refrigeration Technicians Promote Their Work?
Independent refrigeration technicians can promote their work on social media platforms, television commercials, or ads in local newspapers. Showcasing their brand through advertisements helps to reach a wider audience. Likewise, having an online presence allows customers to leave positive reviews, which may also help in attracting potential clients.
What are Useful Skills for People in This Field?
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Capable of lifting heavy objects
- Knowledge of basic computer systems and programs
- Able to work individually or as a team
- Presents new ideas and solutions to problems
- Can work on feet and stand for long hours
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Can follow state and company regulated guidelines
- Learns from both positive and constructive criticism
- Ability to read blueprints
Are There Special Requirements for Refrigeration Jobs?
Those interested in a career in refrigeration often attend a two-year trade school or community college. While not a specific refrigeration requirement, employers typically prefer to hire candidates who possess some sort of certificate or associate degree. High school students interested in this industry can start by taking vocational courses in math, physics, or engineering.
After graduation, workers should complete an apprenticeship to gain hands-on knowledge of the field. During this time, new technicians work with experienced mechanics to learn the ins and outs of the trade. These programs can last from three to five years.
Some states may require refrigeration technicians to be licensed in order to practice. Most refrigeration trade schools, employers, and even unions offer programs to prepare job hopefuls for the certification and licensing exams.
What Is
the Outlook of Refrigeration Jobs?
As companies and homeowners continue to need HVACR systems, the need for refrigeration technicians will continue to grow. Job hopefuls who are good with computers or possess strong troubleshooting skills have the best chance of employment.
On average, the starting wage for these workers is about $37k. Depending on their level of experience, location, and specific certifications, these mechanics can eventually earn upwards of $58k annually.
Corporations often offer refrigeration technicians several employment benefits, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Paid vacation
- Holidays off
- Competitive salaries
- 401(k) retirement plans
What Should Workers Expect?
Refrigeration technicians work in a variety of locations including schools, factories, businesses, and houses. Their day is spent traveling to these different sites, repairing units, recommending services, and installing new systems. Most work during the week, while some remain on-call during the evenings and weekends.
Because of the nature of each refrigeration job, the overall risk of injuries and illnesses is high. Some potential hazards include strains from handling heavy equipment, electrical shocks, burns, or exposure to chemicals. Additionally, many of these jobs are performed in tight spaces, both indoors and outside. To avoid any issues, employees should practice safety and attentiveness at all times.
Most of these associates complete their work throughout the week. However, those who focus on residential units may need to remain on-call during the evenings and weekends.
Where Can Prospects Find Work?
Refrigeration technicians work in a variety of locations. From commercial to residential, these employees often provide services at the following places:
- Schools
- Office buildings
- Breweries
- Meat and dairy processing plants
- Bakeries
- Homes
- Hotels
- Factories
- Warehouses
Can You Work Remotely?
Most companies require refrigeration technicians to visit the office to clock in, receive their assignments, and report on what they did that day. However, independent workers who have their own business can perform this step from home.
Do Refrigeration Technicians Have Any Other Options?
Another option for these job hopefuls is electrician. Like with refrigeration, these workers replace and repair faulty wiring, install and maintain appliances in businesses and homes, and must follow specific guidelines put in place by the government.
Entry-level electricians should expect to make approximately $33k annually. However, as they gain experience and focus on a specific industry such as manufacturing or contract work, these mechanics can often earn about $95k.
What are Alternate Careers for Refrigeration technicians?
Refrigeration technicians often share some of the same skillsets as those that work in other repair industries, such as heating, air conditioning, and ventilation. Some of these employees run routine checks and maintenance on large commercial units, while others specifically make house calls to fix residential window units, vents, and more.