To become a refrigeration service engineer you begin as an apprentice and study towards a National Certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning - Level 4. To be credited with this National Certificate apprentices must also be registered with the Electrical Workers' Registration Board (EWRB)as electrical service technicians.

To enter an apprenticeship you must be at least 16. Some employers prefer their refrigeration service engineers to have a driver's licence.

At least School Certificate or NCEA equivalent English, maths and science is needed to gain a refrigeration services engineer apprenticeship. However, Sixth Form Certificate or NCEA equivalent in these subjects and physics is preferred by some employers.

Refrigeration service engineers can attend workshops, seminars or training courses to keep up to date with the latest refrigeration/air-conditioning systems and equipment.

The Licensed Building Practitioners scheme is being phased in between 2007 and 2011. This may require some refrigeration service engineers to become registered in accordance with new rules. For further information contact Department of Building and Housing.

Useful experience for refrigeration service engineers includes plumbing and gasfitting, work in an engineering workshop, electrical work or experience in an engineering company.