Refrigeration Technician Career Paths in NJ and PA

Homes and businesses rely on refrigeration systems such as refrigeration storage units, ice machines, and beverage units. When these essential pieces of equipment malfunction, it can severely hinder the comfort or productivity of an establishment, creating the need for qualified repair professionals. Becoming a refrigeration technician can provide a variety of career options.

Before pursuing job opportunities, you must first acquire the necessary education and skills from an accredited program at a vocational school. Pennco Tech offers a Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Program in Blackwood, NJ, and Bristol, PA. Learn more about refrigeration services and how this training may be used as a stepping stone for other opportunities.

What Does a Refrigeration Technician Do?

Because many establishments use refrigeration systems, the services of a technician are commonly in demand. Refrigeration professionals are responsible for installing, repairing, and troubleshooting refrigeration systems in a variety of work environments, such as food and beverage companies, supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants. Depending on the company, routine job responsibilities may include the following:

• Processing service orders, completing them in a timely manner and meeting customer expectations
• Troubleshooting refrigeration equipment failures
• Maintaining contact with the client, informing them of the findings and detailing any issues
• Recommending repair solutions and discussing them with the client
• Inspecting newly installed systems and testing their performance for efficiency
• Ensuring stock levels are sufficient to perform jobs and ordering supplies when needed
• Installing climate control systems, refrigeration units, and beverage equipment per the client’s needs
• Reading and interpreting blueprints and compliance schematics for a better understanding of the task at hand
• Replacing worn seals, outer shells, worn-out motors, and other parts
• Enforcing regulations and reporting potential safety hazards that may pose risks on the job site

Additional Job Options for Refrigeration Technicians

Pursuing a career as a refrigeration technician can bring an array of rewarding advantages, including compensation. The average base salary for a refrigeration technician in the United States is $65,710 per year, making it very desirable for many people.

Another benefit to becoming a refrigeration technician is the various career paths one can take. With the knowledge acquired from the HVAC&R program at Pennco Tech, the skills learned on the job, and other training opportunities, refrigeration technicians can further their careers and select a path that best suits them. A few of the roles available for professionals with refrigeration training include:

Refrigeration Service Manager

Some refrigeration technicians take on leadership roles with more responsibilities. Service managers oversee the work of their team, ensuring the services provided are up to the standards set by the company. They also identify areas that can be improved, offering valuable feedback to their team when necessary. Some service managers may also be asked to handle new-hire training programs.

HVAC Installer

As a refrigeration technician who has undergone the HVAC&R program at Pennco tech, you’re familiar with HVAC units and their components. Refrigeration technicians can use this knowledge to specialize in installing HVAC units and providing basic repair services. As a professional installer, you’re responsible for safely and efficiently setting up HVAC systems and control panels using the necessary equipment.

Estimator

Refrigeration technicians looking to make a transition in their career can take the steps toward becoming an estimator. Using the knowledge they’ve acquired in the industry, these professionals accurately estimate the cost of refrigeration projects for customers. Estimators also draft proposals, source materials, and educate clients on what they believe the project will entail overall.

Learn What It Takes to Become a Refrigeration Tech

Aspiring individuals in the Blackwood, NJ, or Bristol, PA, areas who wish to learn what it takes to become a refrigeration technician can do so by enrolling in the Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Program at Pennco Tech. Not only does this program feature a career-focused curriculum, but it also includes OSHA safety training. Students will learn how to identify hazards on the job along with the best ways for eliminating those risks. For more information about our HVAC program or the other programs we offer, contact us today.