Refrigeration technician

Briefly explain what you do for a living.

I repair and service commercial refrigeration equipment. I also carry out installations when there is not so much maintenance work. 

How have you ended up in the profession of your choice?

After upper secondary school, I worked as a cleaner, and I did not know which field I would like to go to. I have always been interested in technology. After working in the cleaning sector for a few years, I came across building services engineering studies and decided to apply to Stadi Vocational College for a plumbing technician’s training.

At the beginning of the studies, we learned about the different areas of building services engineering. At that time, I got excited about the refrigeration sector, because it felt much more versatile than the plumbing sector. Refrigeration technicians need electrical, plumbing and refrigeration engineering expertise in their work.

Describe your typical working day or week.

During a typical working day, I contact customers, carry out maintenance and repairs, as well as write reports.

What kind of work environment or working hours do you have?

I work at a different site every day, and sometimes I do maintenance at several different sites during the same day. I mainly service office refrigeration equipment in various engine rooms and outdoors.

I work during the day, but sometimes my working days are longer, and I also work on weekends.

What kind of competence or qualities are required in the profession?

The work of a refrigeration technician requires practicality and the ability to plan tasks carefully before starting them. A calm and persistent nature is useful, as sometimes it can take a lot of time to find the fault. In addition, pressure tolerance is important.

The work requires good physical fitness, as the equipment and tools are heavy. A refrigeration technician must be able to use different tools in a precise and controlled manner.

What is the best thing about your profession?

The best part of my job is diversity, as no working day is the same. I get to see different and interesting sites and learn new things all the time.

What are the downsides of the profession or what seems challenging?

The work is physically demanding and sometimes even dangerous. Tight schedules increase pressure and cause stress.

What would you tell a person considering the profession of a refrigeration technician?

The work of a refrigeration technician is not learned from books, but from practical work. Learning takes time, and there is always more to learn. Even long-term professionals sometimes have to ask for advice.

The work is challenging, but jobs are often available, and the wage level is competitive. The work of a refrigeration technician is suitable for a calm person who is prepared to continuously learn new things. There are also good advancement opportunities in this field.

How do you see the future of your profession?

The future of the sector looks bright, as there will also be plenty of work in the future. The need for cooling and heating in premises and dwellings may even increase. Refrigeration technology is constantly evolving and new standards, i.e. regulatory requirements and rules, are being introduced all the time.