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.

Working Life

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 and Air Conditioning Technician- 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.

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.

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

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Plumbers and heating and ventilating engineers.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

Employment growth for plumbers was in line with the national average with approximately an additional 1,000 persons employed annually since 2020 (returning to 2019 levels). New employment permits issued related to both plumbers and plumbing, heating and ventilation engineers. The number of craft awards for plumbers has been increasing annually in recent years with 384 awards in 2023; the increased number of new apprenticeship registrations suggests that output will continue to be strong in the short-to medium term.

While demand remains strong, the shortage of plumbers appears to have been alleviated. However, any acceleration of retrofitting activities will result in a significant increase in demand for these roles as plumbers will have an integral role in the installation of sustainable heat pumps. In addition, upskilling/reskilling of employed plumbers will be key in the coming years to ensure they are in a position to adapt to new technologies (e.g. heat pumps, new ventilation systems, wastewater drain heat recovery) and working in areas linked to alternative renewable energy sources (e.g. the shift away from traditional fossil fuel boilers towards 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