Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
• Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Scheduling Work and Activities Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

The Work

When installing new commercial and industrial equipment the craftsperson locates motors and other refrigerating components in position by reference to plans and specifications and connects the equipment to an electrical power supply.  
 
He/she should have a sufficient knowledge of electrical work, welding and plumbing for the job and be able to dismantle plant for repair and fit new parts. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning craftspersons generally are employed by dealers and contractors engaged in selling and servicing refrigeration equipment.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
• Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring.
• Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions.
• Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit.
• Install, connect, or adjust thermostats, humidistats, or timers.
• Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.
• Study blueprints, design specifications, or manufacturers' recommendations to ascertain the configuration of heating or cooling equipment components and to ensure the proper installation of components.
• Install auxiliary components to heating or cooling equipment, such as expansion or discharge valves, air ducts, pipes, blowers, dampers, flues, or stokers.
• Brase or solder parts to repair defective joints and leaks.
• Lay out and connect electrical wiring between controls and equipment, according to wiring diagrams, using electrician's hand tools.

Further Information

• Refrigeration Craftsperson - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Apprenticeship Route

The official entry route for a Refrigeration Craftsperson is through undertaking an apprenticeship.

Click here to find information on the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning apprenticeship

To become an Apprentice in Ireland you must be hired by an employer. Apprenticeship employers are formally approved by SOLAS in advance of employing apprentices. Apprentices get a formal contract of employment as part of their apprenticeship.

To find an apprenticeship, you can search apprenticeship vacancies on the Apprenticeship Jobs Portal. You can search for vacancies by location and by apprenticeship.

Entry Requirements The minimum age at which the employment of an apprentice may commence is 16 years of age.

The minimum educational requirements are:

1. Grade D in five subjects in the Department of Education & Skills Junior Certificate Examination or an approved equivalent,

or

2. The successful completion of an approved Pre-Apprenticeship course

or

3. Three years’ work experience gained over sixteen years of age in a relevant designated industrial activity as SOLAS shall deem acceptable

Full eligibility criteria for this apprenticeship are available in the Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Apprenticeship brochure.

Please note: To become a refrigeration and air conditioning apprentice you must pass the Ishihara Colour Vision Test (24 Plate Edition). For further employer contact information, contact your local Education and Training Board.

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €70k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Payscale/ Morgan McKinley/ Lincoln/ Excel/ Talent/ WRC

Last Updated: March, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Although employment has increased annually since 2020, employment levels in 2022 remained below pre-COVID-19 levels. New employment permits issued related to both plumbers and plumbing, heating and ventilation engineers. The DFHERIS report suggests that demand for plumbers for housing projects will peak in 2024 but, with retrofitting projects accelerating from 2026, a significant demand for plumbers is likely to persist.

New apprenticeship registration numbers in 2022, at 792, were above pre-COVID-19 levels and the number of persons achieving the craft apprenticeship award (plumber) more than doubled between 2016 and 2021, going from 113 to 238.

Shortages for plumbers are likely to continue, at least in the short-term, as supply from the education/training system is yet to meet annual recruitment requirements. In addition, those already trained as plumbers will also require re-/upskilling opportunities in order to carry out work linked to alternative renewable energy sources (e.g. the installation of heat pumps).

• Engineers Ireland

  • 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
  • (01) 665 1300
  • Click Here

• Food Safety Authority of Ireland

  • https://fsai.ie/
  • 1890 33 66 77
  • Click Here