Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Engineering
Careers Explorer:
Work on heat pumping, air quality and cooling systems in buildings and transport.
Overview
As a Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and/or Heat Pump Engineering Technician, you’ll plan, prepare and safely carry out work in process, product and space cooling.
You’ll have a thorough understanding of the engineering principles of thermodynamics and the vapour compression cycle.
You’ll oversee the design, installation, routine maintenance, reactive service, commissioning and decommissioning of refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump systems in a whole host of business sectors, from food production to transport.
European and UK Safety and Environmental legislation are key drivers in rapid technology changes in the sector which is responsible for an estimated 10% of UK greenhouse gas emissions and 16% of electricity use. RACHP Engineering Technicians have important responsibilities for the safety of themselves, work colleagues and the general public as well as minimising the environmental impact of cooling systems.
Top 5 Tasks
- Installation
- Routine maintenance
- Provide a reactive service
- Ensuring safety is paramount
- Minimising environmental impact.
Salary
Salaries in this role range from approximately £20,000 to £35,000.
Salaries depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.
Am I Suited?
- Hands-on
- Attention to detail
- Problem solver
- Self-motivator
- Adaptable
Environmental, legislation and technology changes mean that the requirements for technicians in this sector are constantly evolving.
Qualifications
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.
Entry requirements to depend on the employer, but at least four GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent will likely be needed.
