Careers Spotlight: Air Conditioning Engineer

Refrigeration and air-conditioning installers work on air quality and cooling systems in buildings, storage and transport. It may seem a strange thing to think about in December, but the air conditioning and refrigeration industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK economy with total revenue forecast to grow by over 40% in the next year.

So what does an air conditioning engineer do?

• survey sites where cooling systems are to be fitted

• plan the layout of pipework, ducts and control panels

• install components

• provide scheduled maintenance on systems

• find and fix faults

• carry out quality checks to make sure systems are working properly and safely

• retrofit buildings to meet environmental standards

• work on refrigerated transport

• advise customers on ways to reduce their energy use

Skills and knowledge you will need:

• the ability to repair machines or systems

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail

• customer service skills

• the ability to use your initiative

• problem-solving skills

• practical skills for installing equipment

• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations

• persistence and determination

• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

How to qualify?

You can get into this job through:

• a college course

• an apprenticeship

College

You may be able to take a college course, to give you some of the knowledge and skills needed to help find a job as a trainee. Courses include:

Level 2 Diploma in Access to Building Services Engineering

Level 2 Diploma in Installing and Maintaining Refrigeration Systems

Level 3 Diploma in Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Systems

T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

Entry requirements - You'll usually need:

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

Apprenticeship

You could train for this job through an apprenticeship, such as:

• Building Services Engineering Installer Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship

• Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Engineering Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

• Mobile Transport Refrigeration Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

• These can take between 2 and 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements - You'll usually need:

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

If you want to learn more about working in air-conditioning and refrigeration industry  click on the links below

Boosting your CV

So what is a CV?  CV is short for Curriculum Vitae and is a short document which summarises your unique skills, character, experience and achievements.  

For students it can feel difficult to know what to write as you haven't had the time to build up the experience that employers always seem to want.

In this section we will look at ways of making your CV stand out for future employers so you can get that dream job.  So far we have looked at  ideas such as attending after school clubs and work experience placements.  This month we consider what many think of as the core of a CV, your academic achievements.

Make the most of your academic achievements:

Most people list their GCSE and A-level results, but very few make the effort to make their qualifications stand out. For example, if you’ve been highly commended for a particular project or assignment, why not mention it on your CV?

Although your CV should follow a set structure, you should also do what you can to make yourself stand out from the crowd. Think about the order you list your qualifications, putting the best qualifications or the ones that you want to draw attention at the top of the list is often a good idea.

The link below will help you put together your CV

Current Opportunities

This month we have an opportunity for students who are interested in a career in law as well as an opportunity to learn about how to develop a career as a film director

Hello,

We have a fantastic opportunity specifically for Year 10 students in the London area who are interested in a career in Law. We are thrilled to announce that we are working with International Law firm Bird & Bird for the second year in a row to find their 2024 cohort of students for their Early Birds Pathway Programme. This is a truly incredible opportunity for your students to take part in a 7-year programme which will give them an incredible insight to the world of law, offer mentoring, work experience, workshops, a financial bursary and much more! 

Bird & Bird’s Early Bird Pathway Programme is their flagship social mobility initiative to support, develop and equip young people with skills they need to achieving their career potential. It’s a seven year programme of skill-based and insight workshops, receive networking opportunities and general support and guidance. The programme starts with the Early Bird Pioneer Programme which is designed for students to gain an insight into the legal sector and the full range of careers available within the professional services industry, as well as prepare you with relevant developmental skills for a successful career.

 The first two years of the programme Bird & Bird host workshops for the students, either virtually or at their offices. In Year 12 they invite students to attend a work experience week at their London office. Students also have the opportunity to take part in the Social Mobility Business Partnership’s (SMBP) Skills & Insight Programme the week after.

At the end of Year 13, students can:

• Apply for an Early Bird Scholarship to receive financial assistance for three years at university, a trainee mentor and a programme of further skill-based workshops and events. There is an eligibility criteria for this which students do find out more about.

• Continue further studies, start apprenticeships or embark on a school leaver role but continue to be invited to our events, receive firm news and updates and be updated with early career opportunities as Early Bird Alumni.

The aim of the Early Birds Pathway is to help you kickstart your career in the legal sector by equipping you with all the key skills you need to fulfil your potential. The programme starts in Year 10 and lasts seven years in total.  

Eligibility Criteria:

Students who apply for the Early Bird Pioneer will need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

•      Must be in Year 10;

•      Must attend a state (non-fee paying) school.

•      Must be the first generation in your immediate family to potentially attend university; and

•      Should be on track to achieve at least 5 A grades or 5 Level 7 and above in GCSE, including English and Maths.

You must also fulfil one or more of the below criteria:

•       Have been or are eligible for free school meals;

•       Attend a sixth form college or school where more than 25% of pupils are eligible for free school meals;

•       Spent time in local authority care; and/or

•       Are, or have been, a parent or a registered carer.

As mentioned, this is a fantastic opportunity but spaces are very limited. If you’d like to enrol some of your students onto this program, please complete the below link as soon as possible.

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/EarlyBirdPioneerProgramme

We will be in touch shortly after to confirm if their spaces have been secured. 

 Please feel free to reach out with any questions,
Many thanks,

 Molly Houlihan

Operations Manager

W: young-professionals.uk 

VIRTUAL EMPLOYER ENCOUNTERS

The Careers and Enterprise Company are running a webinar on 14th December from 4:30pm to 5:30pm on how to develop a career as film director.  To learn more please click on the link below.

Virtual Employer Encounters