REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING TECHNICIAN General Information
The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician trade is a vocational training program offered under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) by the Directorate General of Training (DGT), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India. The course is designed to develop skilled technicians who are capable of installing, servicing, maintaining, and repairing refrigeration and air conditioning systems used in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The training program focuses on developing technical skills along with theoretical knowledge and employability skills required for the modern HVAC and refrigeration industry. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Name of the Trade
The official name of the trade is Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician. This trade prepares individuals to work with refrigeration systems and air conditioning equipment used in various cooling applications such as domestic refrigerators, commercial cold storage units, split air conditioners, window air conditioners, and centralized HVAC systems.
Trade Code
The trade is identified by the official trade code DGT/1010. This code is used by the Directorate General of Training for administrative and academic purposes within the vocational training framework.
NCO Classification
The trade is classified under the National Classification of Occupations (NCO-2015) with the code 7127.0100. This classification identifies the job role of Mechanic Refrigeration and Air Conditioner within the national occupational structure and helps standardize employment categories across industries.
National Occupational Standards (NOS)
The course curriculum covers several National Occupational Standards (NOS) that define the competencies required for the job role. These standards ensure that trainees acquire the necessary knowledge and practical skills required to work efficiently in the refrigeration and air conditioning field.
Some of the NOS covered in the training program include:
- ELE/N1002
- ELE/N3114
- ELE/N3112
- ELE/N3108
- CSC/N9413
- CSC/N9414
- ELE/N3140
- ELE/N3141
- CSC/N9415
- CSC/N9416
- CSC/N9417
- CSC/N9418
- CSC/N9419
- CSC/N9420
- CSC/N9421
- CSC/N9422
- CSC/N9423
- CSC/N9401
- CSC/N9402
These standards ensure that the training program aligns with industry requirements and prepares trainees to perform technical tasks effectively.
NSQF Level
The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician trade is aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) Level 4. This level represents a skilled worker capable of performing tasks independently while following standard procedures and safety guidelines.
Duration of Training
The total duration of the course is two years. The training includes approximately 2400 instructional hours along with 300 hours of On-the-Job Training (OJT) or group project work. The course is divided into two academic years, each focusing on different aspects of refrigeration and air conditioning technology.
During the training period, trainees learn professional skills, professional knowledge, and employability skills. They also participate in practical workshop training, industrial visits, and project activities to gain hands-on experience.
Entry Qualification
To enroll in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician trade, candidates must have passed the 10th class examination with Science and Mathematics under the 10+2 system of education or its equivalent qualification. Candidates who have completed vocational subjects related to the same sector are also eligible for admission.
Minimum Age Requirement
The minimum age required for admission to this course is 14 years as on the first day of the academic session. This age requirement ensures that trainees possess the maturity needed to handle tools, machines, and technical training safely.
Eligibility for Persons with Disabilities (PwD)
The course is open to certain categories of persons with disabilities (PwD) as per government guidelines. Eligible categories include:
- LD – Locomotor Disability
- CP – Cerebral Palsy
- LC – Leprosy Cured
- DW – Dwarfism
- AA – Acid Attack Victims
- LV – Low Vision
- DEAF
- HH – Hard of Hearing
These provisions ensure equal access to vocational training opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Unit Strength
The standard unit strength for this trade is 24 trainees. There is no separate provision for supernumerary seats. This limited class size helps instructors provide better guidance and practical training to each student.
Infrastructure Requirements
Training institutes offering this course must meet certain infrastructure requirements to ensure quality training. The workshop and classroom space required for this trade is approximately 80 square meters. Additionally, the training workshop requires a power supply capacity of approximately 6.82 KW to operate machines and equipment used during practical training.
Instructor Qualifications
Qualified instructors are essential for delivering effective training in the refrigeration and air conditioning trade. Instructors must possess appropriate educational qualifications and professional experience.
Typical instructor qualifications include:
- B.Voc or Degree in Mechanical Engineering with one year of relevant experience.
- Diploma in Mechanical Engineering with two years of relevant experience.
- National Trade Certificate (NTC) or National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) in the relevant trade with three years of experience.
In addition to these qualifications, instructors must possess the National Craft Instructor Certificate (NCIC) or its equivalent recognized by the Directorate General of Training.
Tools and Equipment
Training institutes must provide appropriate tools, equipment, and machinery required for practical training. The list of tools and equipment is specified in Annexure I of the curriculum and includes refrigeration tools, electrical testing instruments, welding equipment, and HVAC components.
Conclusion
The general information section of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician course provides an overview of the trade, training structure, eligibility requirements, and infrastructure standards. These guidelines ensure that training institutes maintain uniform quality standards while preparing trainees for careers in the refrigeration and HVAC industry.
By completing this training program, individuals gain the technical skills and professional competencies needed to work as qualified refrigeration and air conditioning technicians in various sectors of the economy.