Refrigeration Technician Qualification
Its Not Hard But It Takes Training
To become a refrigeration or ice machine engineer, you must have the required qualifications. The most common way to achieve these qualifications is to complete an apprenticeship. An apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training and theoretical learning. You will be employed by a company and learn about the trade while working with experienced engineers. To become a refrigeration or ice machine engineer, you must have:
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- Optional: completion of accredited refrigeration or air conditioning engineering apprenticeship program
- A valid driver’s license
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team
- The ability to read and thoroughly understand technical manuals. You may be asked to train others, such as a grocery store manager.
- The ability to use hand tools, power tools, and advanced test equipment
- The ability to work in a variety of environments, including hot and cold climates
Upfront, you will need to learn many new controls and electrical principles to succeed in refrigeration. In contrast to air conditioning, refrigeration systems are not ON or OFF systems. You will want to review and ensure your electrical skills are suitable for systems such as the sequence of operation, defrost and harvest, and lock-out safeties. In air conditioning, people get hot or cold, but in refrigeration, food spoils.
Refrigeration and ice machine engineers are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing refrigeration and ice-making equipment. They can also be responsible for hot side and foodservice equipment. They must be able to troubleshoot problems and have a comprehensive understanding of how the equipment works. To be successful in this career, you must be able to work independently and have a solid mechanical aptitude. You must also be able to follow written instructions and work with various hand and power tools. If you are interested in becoming a refrigeration or ice machine engineer, many paths are available to you. We recommend the following pathways:
- HVAC Apprentice
- HVAC Technician
- Refrigeration Technician
- Controls and Automation Systems
- Master Technician or Service Manager
On another note, since you will be front-facing with the store or facility management and their customers, refrigeration or ice machine engineers have good communication skills. They will need to understand and explain refrigeration problems in a way that the customer can understand. They also might have to deal with irate customers from time to time, so they need to stay calm under pressure. Being a refrigeration or ice machine engineer is a challenging and rewarding career.
The consumers in a dining facility demand above-average hygiene and demeanor from everyone in their sight, including the technical service employees. But when they can’t see the refrigeration and ice machines, they expect them to just work. This is where your refrigeration or ice machine engineer skills will shine. You will be the one who keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes. If you are interested in a career in refrigeration or ice machine engineering, contact a professional training program.
You will be responsible for keeping people cool in the summer and making sure their food doesn’t spoil. If you have the required qualifications and skills, we encourage you to pursue this career path.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the eTech Academy offerrings check out this link. You can also complete the contact form to speak with one of our Certified Master HVAC?R Educators.
