You could study for a higher national certificate or diploma in building services engineering.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, including a science

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 installer.

Courses include:

• access to building services engineering
• installing and maintaining refrigeration systems
• refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump systems
• T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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

You could train for this job by applying for 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. They combine on-the-job training and off-site study with a training provider.

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

You'll need:

• practical skills for installing equipment
• the ability to repair machines or systems
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• problem-solving skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• knowledge of maths
• the ability to work well with others
• persistence and determination
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• have a valid F Gas Certificate if you're going to work with fluorinated greenhouse gases

As a refrigeration and air-conditioning installer, you'll:

• plan the layout of pipework, ducts and control panels
• install components
• provide scheduled maintenance and find and fix faults
• perform quality checks to make sure systems are working properly and safely
• retrofit buildings to meet new environmental standards
• fit or remove systems on refrigerated transport
• advise clients on ways to reduce their energy use

You could work at a client's business.

Your working environment may be cramped, cool and you'll travel often.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.