Are you interested in a career as a commercial refrigeration technician? There are many reasons to choose commercial refrigeration as a career. Let’s look at a few of the benefits.
Why Choose Commercial Refrigeration as a Career?
There are many benefits to a career in commercial refrigeration. Whether you want to work outside of the office or need a flexible schedule, becoming a commercial refrigeration technician is a great career, and it is in demand.
Working Outside the Office
One of the many benefits for commercial refrigeration technicians is the opportunity to work outside the office. Don’t want to sit in a cubicle? Get some fresh air outside the office as a commercial refrigeration technician. Travel to business customers’ locations, and work directly on commercial refrigeration systems.
Flexible Schedule
Most commercial refrigeration technicians will work normal business hours because they work with commercial clients, but there is always a need for technicians after hours and on weekends. Regardless of which hours you want to work, you have options for a flexible schedule.
Opportunity for Career Advancement
There are opportunities to advance at a company offering commercial refrigeration services, and you can excel from apprentice to journeyman or even master specialist. Each level of certification requires some education and work experience. You will start out as an apprentice and work under the strict supervision of a licensed HVAC technician. Then, the sky’s the limit.
You can also own your own business. Whether you want to become a franchise owner or obtain clients of your own as an independent contractor, you have options. Once you have some experience and become a journeyman technician, you can work directly with customers to maintain and repair their commercial refrigeration systems.
Increased Demand
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected growth of HVAC/R technicians is 5 percent through 2031. With the baby boomer generation reaching retirement age and the growth of commercial businesses, more commercial refrigeration technicians will be needed to install, maintain, and repair many of the commercial refrigeration systems.
How Do You Become a Commercial Refrigeration Technician?
A great way to become a commercial refrigeration technician is by attending Interactive College of Technology’s Commercial Refrigeration training program. We offer small class sizes with industry-experienced instructors that offer personal attention and answer the many questions you may have. We also offer hands-on experience, so you build confidence before becoming an apprentice. Interactive College of Technology also offers career services to find a job after graduation.
What Do You Learn in a Commercial Refrigeration Program?
The Commercial Refrigeration program offers a solid foundation in refrigeration installation, maintenance, and repair. As a student, you will be prepared for North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification and EPA 608 certification. In addition to some general educational requirements, you will attend classes that focus on the following HVAC/R topics.
Gas, Electric, and Heat Pump Heating Systems
As part of the commercial refrigeration training, you will learn about HVAC systems. These systems include gas furnaces, electric furnaces, and heat pumps. Classes cover how each heating system works and the common mechanical problems that can occur. You’ll also cover the proper diagnostic and repair techniques for each HVAC/R system, giving you hands-on experience with commercial refrigeration systems.
Residential and Commercial Refrigeration Systems
The training program will include a class on residential and commercial refrigeration systems. You will learn how they operate, issues you may encounter, and the basics of maintenance and repair. You will also get hands-on experience, in addition to learning about refrigerators and freezers and how they operate. Instructors will guide you through the process of installing, maintaining, and repairing residential and commercial refrigeration systems.
Refrigeration Management
This course covers the handling and controlling of refrigerants, protecting against food spoilage, and ensuring that refrigeration units always remain compliant with food and safety standards.
Low-Voltage Controls and Thermostats
During this course, you will learn about the differences between low- and high-voltage thermostats, what they’re commonly used for, and how to properly install and maintain them. You’ll need to be an expert on all brands of controls and thermostats as you may fix them during the course of your career,
Programmable Logic Controls (PLC)
During this course, you will learn how to monitor and maintain programmable logic controls. These industrial refrigeration control systems monitor data to make better decisions regarding the refrigeration system’s temperature and humidity. Each refrigeration system will have an ideal temperature and humidity setting. The PLC learns the best level based on the input from the user and sensors in the refrigeration system.
Applied Principles of Electrical Circuits
Refrigeration systems require electricity to function. This includes heating appliances as well as refrigerators and freezers. So, you will need a foundational knowledge in electrical circuits and wiring work. And by the time you’re finished with your training, you’ll have the knowledge necessary to safely work with all types of electrical circuits.
Customer Service Skills
You will work face-to-face with customers as a commercial refrigeration technician. Whether you’re assisting retail store managers, cold-storage fleet operators, or warehouse production managers, you’ll need good customer service skills. Customer service skills are key to creating loyal customers and keeping clientele happy.
On-the-Job Safety
On-the-job safety is important for all commercial refrigeration technicians. Working with these systems can be dangerous, especially if you fail to practice safety procedures. For example, a freezer that runs too cold could cause beverages to freeze and explode due to pressure that builds up. Whether you’re working on walk-in freezers or refrigerators, safety must be the top priority, and your educational training will prepare you to perform your job safely.
EPA 608 Certification
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires certifications for any HVAC/R technicians that maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere. Technicians must have a Section 608 Technician Certification. There are four different levels of certification you can achieve, and your instructor will help you prepare for the EPA-approved tests.
NATE Certification
Generally, businesses and customers will favor commercial refrigeration technicians who are NATE certified. The certification exam is administered by North American Technician Excellence, and to pass, you’ll need to score 70 percent or higher. You will also need at least two years of experience working in the HVAC field to be eligible for certification. The educational courses at Interactive College of Technology will provide you with the expertise you’ll need to prepare for the NATE certification exam.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know that commercial refrigeration is a great career, it is time to learn more about Interactive College of Technology. We offer hands-on training, financial assistance for those who qualify, flexible school schedules, industry-recognized certifications, lifetime career placement, approval for VA benefits, and externships to get real-world experience. If you want to become a commercial refrigeration technician, Interactive College of Technology is here to guide you.
Want to Learn More?
Our school’s Commercial Refrigeration training program is designed to provide you with a foundation in commercial refrigeration as it specifically relates to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning industry. We emphasize advanced HVAC/R concepts, such as controls, temperature programming, and computer fundamentals.
An externship is a part of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning residential training program, during which you will be assigned to a partnering company for 135 hours, giving you the opportunity to put your new skills to use and gain real-life career training experience. Plus, after you graduate, our Lifetime Career Placement Support program will be there to help you find work whenever you need it.
Let’s take the first step together! Contact us now to learn more.
