Air Conditioning Engineer

Air conditioning engineers design, install, repair and maintain systems such as central heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and gas.

The Work

You could be:

• working on different types of air conditioning systems such as VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume), VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow), multi-deck and split systems


• visiting and surveying the premises where an air conditioning system is to be installed


• producing an estimate for the cost of constructing and installing the system


• ordering and buying in materials – copper, plastic and steel


• organising the craft workers and supervising them


• diagnosing and fixing faults if equipment does not work properly


• when installation is complete, carrying out quality inspection and tests


• doing regular service checks of the system.

Conditions

You could be working in people’s homes or in offices, large stores or supermarkets where air conditioning systems regulate the air quality and temperature. You could also be working in factories and other industrial premises with systems which control heat, dust and humidity levels.

• You work at a desk for some aspects of your work but travel to building sites for others.


• You work on installations in hospitals, factories, schools, shops and offices.


• You work overtime, particularly in summer, and answer emergency calls out-of-hours.


• You have to wear protective gear: goggles, hard hat, safety boots and overalls.


• You work in different parts of the country, spending long periods away from home.

Getting In

• As a rule, you combine training as an air conditioning engineer with training as a refrigeration engineer.


• You can enter by a three-year Modern Apprenticeship, combining on-the-job training and experience and off-the-job study.


• Most employers look for Standard grades (1-4) including English, maths, a science and a technological subject.


• A driving licence is usually essential.


• There is normally a pre-entry test.

What Does It Take?

You need:

• practical and technical skills


• ability in calculating figures and costs


• ability to read plans and technical drawings


• an understanding of electricity


• communication skills in speech and writing


• computer skills


• the ability to meet deadlines


• a responsible attitude to safety issues


• the ability to work as part of a team.

Training

You normally start by working towards a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) Level 2 in Mechanical Engineering Systems: Small Commercial Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems. As part of this you take a Technical Certificate or RVQ exam covering basic principles of refrigeration, energy and environment, technology, brazing, essential calculations, electronics and controls. You also take a refrigeration handling assessment leading to the Safe Handling of Refrigerants Certificate.

After completing Level 2, you can choose from either of the following Level 3 specialisms in Mechanical Engineering Services:

• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems (Commercial and Industrial Air Conditioning Systems)


• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems (Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Systems Non Ammonia).

Getting On

• This is a growing field. Throughout the UK, demand for these skills exceeds supply.


• It is possible to progress to becoming an Air Conditioning Contracts Manager, or, by taking further qualifications at Higher National Certificate (HNC) and beyond, a Building Services Engineer.


• With experience you could set up in business on your own.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of the company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.