Personal tools

Navigation

You are here: Home › Careers › New Zealand Careers › Careers Descriptions › Building and Construction Careers › Refrigeration Service Engineer

Refrigeration Service Engineer

Refrigeration service engineers install, service and maintain refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.

Tasks & duties

Refrigeration service engineers may do some or all of the following:

advise clients on different refrigeration/air-conditioning systems
consult with clients and refrigeration/air-conditioning design engineers about system installation
install or oversee the installation of refrigeration/air-conditioning systems
check that systems comply with their design
test and balance systems once they are installed
repair and maintain existing refrigeration/air-conditioning systems
diagnose problems in existing refrigeration/air-conditioning systems

Skills & knowledge

Refrigeration service engineers need to have:

the ability to use tools for testing, repairing and replacing refrigeration/air-conditioning systems
knowledge of gas systems, atmospheris pressure and temperature
knowledge of physics and chemistry
understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of various refrigeration/air conditioning systems
knowledge of electrical systems
knowledge of mechanical engineering
good technical and problem-solving skills
welding, gasfitting and plumbing skills
skill at making calculations and interpreting drawings
communication and listening skills
time management and record keeping skills
computer skills

Entry requirements

To become a refrigeration service engineer you begin as an apprentice and study towards a National Certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning - Level 4. To be credited with this National Certificate apprentices must also be registered with the Electrical Workers' Registration Board (EWRB)as electrical service technicians.

To enter an apprenticeship you must be at least 16. Some employers prefer their refrigeration service engineers to have a driver's licence.

Secondary education

At least School Certificate or NCEA equivalent English, maths and science is needed to gain a refrigeration services engineer apprenticeship. However, Sixth Form Certificate or NCEA equivalent in these subjects and physics is preferred by some employers.

Training on the job

Refrigeration service engineers can attend workshops, seminars or training courses to keep up to date with the latest refrigeration/air-conditioning systems and equipment.

Registration

The Licensed Building Practitioners scheme is being phased in between 2007 and 2011. This may require some refrigeration service engineers to become registered in accordance with new rules.

Useful experience

Useful experience for refrigeration service engineers includes plumbing and gasfitting, work in an engineering workshop, electrical work or experience in an engineering company.