Refrigeration Job Description
Refrigeration technology has forever changed the world of food. Thanks to refrigerators, food that is perishable can be preserved for far longer than it ever could when exposed to room temperatures. This technology has found its way into the homes of most Americans and is used in almost all food industries. However, like many machines, refrigerators break with normal wear and tear, requiring that they be repaired. Advancements in technology are also driven by refrigerator engineers. This piece of technology continues to generate jobs to this day.
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Repair
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Refrigerator repairmen are employed by repair shops and refrigerator manufacturers. Some repairmen deliver the refrigerator to the customer's home and install the refrigerator. But more often, refrigerator repairmen make regular service calls and repair refrigerators that have become damaged. The type of problems that refrigerator repairman resolve vary, with some of the most common problems including refrigerator leaks and ventilation problems. Some refrigerator repairmen work as freelancers, according to Education-Portal.
Design
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Engineers specialized in refrigerators continue to develop new refrigerator designs and continue to create refrigerators that last longer and require less maintenance. These engineers brainstorm and develop new features that will appeal to consumers. They also try to design high-end refrigerators that are designed to have aesthetic appeal. The senior design engineer creates prototype designs that are shown to the upper management and to the other members of the engineering team. New refrigeration innovations must be patented and the engineer must make sure to not violate other patents, according to General Electric. All design developments must be thoroughly documented.
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Conditions
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The work environment of a refrigerator repairman can be almost anywhere, though refrigerators are usually kept indoors and the majority of refrigerators are found within private homes. On the other hand, refrigerator engineers usually work in office or laboratory settings. Travel is a regular part of the refrigerator repairman's job, since the repairman will often make trips to several different residential homes. Refrigerators contain refrigerants that can cause frostbite and blindness, so repairmen and designers must follow careful safety precautions. Inhaling the refrigerant can also be harmful. The workweek for a refrigerator worker is typically 40 hours.
Skills
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The refrigerator engineer needs a bachelor's degree in electrical or mechanical engineering. Verbal and written communication skills are essential since these engineers usually work in teams and must be able to explain complex topics. Refrigerator repairmen usually complete a two-year vocational training program at a vocational school or community college, according to Education-Portal. There are also three- to five-year year apprenticeship programs run by professional organizations. Since refrigerator workers handle refrigerants, they must be certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. They must also bring dexterity and manual skills to the job.
Outlook
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that between 2008 and 2018, the need for refrigerator workers is expected to grow by 28 percent. This growth will be driven both by a growing population and by pressure being placed on refrigerator companies to build refrigerators that are both energy efficient and environmentally friendly. In 2008, the median hourly earnings for refrigerator workers were $19.08, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $30.59 and the lowest 10 percent earning less than $12.19.
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References
- Photo Credit Eier image by Corrie from Fotolia.com
