How to Get Into Commercial Refrigeration

Commercial refrigeration is an ideal industry for those who are interested the restaurant industry and who are good with machinery. Within commercial refrigeration, refrigeration technicians are one of the highest in demand. The requirements to get into this industry vary depending on what state you live in. Some states require certification, while others do not require licensure at all.

• Contact professionals in your area who are already in the commercial refrigeration industry and inquire about apprenticeships. If you already work inside a restaurant, get in touch with the technician who works on your refrigeration equipment to see if he is interested in having an apprentice. If he is not, see if he has any colleagues who are interested.


• Call around to different refrigeration technicians from a phone directory and check various classification ads to see if anyone is looking for an apprentice.


• Enroll at a technical college in a refrigeration technician program to obtain formal education. This can give you a bit of an edge when looking for a way to get into the industry. After you have successfully completed the program, depending on the state you live in, your director may be able to assist with an apprenticeship position, if it is required by your state.


• Take the state exam for commercial refrigeration, in order to obtain certification. If this test is required, this gives you an opportunity to obtain official documentation that shows your knowledge level. You may have to have a certain amount of hours in the field before taking the test, so inquire about the requirements for your state.


• Contact peers and colleagues you have met along the way through jobs, schooling and at the testing center to see if you can locate any job leads. At this point, you can also opt to start your own commercial refrigeration business.