Refrigeration Fitter

Nature of Work

Refrigeration fitters do contract and custom installation, maintenance, service and repair of
refrigeration and refrigerated air conditioning units and systems. They fabricate components,
cut and install piping, assemble motors, controls, compressors and gauges and combine them into functioning installations. They pump refrigerants into units and systems, testing lines, connections, valves, gauges, for leaks or faults and adjust for correct pressures and temperatures. They dismantle malfunctioning systems, test components and repair or replace the system back in service. They may specialize as installation mechanics or as service mechanics.

Entrance Requirements

Age: Minimum 18 years.

Health: Good health, physically able to perform medium to heavy work in unfinished or completed buildings.

Aptitude: Score a qualifying score on an Industry Aptitude Test provided by a JATC Training Director.

Education: High School Graduate or equivalent (G.E.D.) Transcript of high school credits or an official report of G.E.D. test results must accompany the application.

Term of Apprenticeship

Length of training: 5 years/8500 hours.

Related classroom instruction: 1230 hours or minimum of 246 hours per year.

Probationary period: One year.

Working Conditions

Much of the work is inside and requires extreme accuracy and precision, good manual and
finger dexterity, independent strength and agility. Generally work a forty-hour week. Work is seasonal in nature when dealing with construction, but repair and maintenance are year-round.

Wages

Apprentices are paid a percentage of the journeyman wage rate beginning at 50% of the journeyman wage for the first year of employment. Based on satisfactory work on the job and attendance in school, 10% advances in wages are made each year with appropriate advances in training. For the fifth year, the apprentice receives 90% of the journeyman wage. Inquire with program sponsors for current journeyman wage rates.

Special Characteristics

Knowledge and abilities: Ability to plan work sequence, mechanical aptitude, depth perception, manual dexterity.

Interests: Physical Sciences, working with hands and tools.

Temperament: Ability to work alone or with others.

Physical capacities: Heavy work, physical stamina, stand for long periods.

Tools Used

Brazing and soldering torches	Tapes	Levels
Measuring instruments	Hand and power tools	Welding equipment

Suggested High School Subjects

Mathematics	Blueprint reading	Mechanical drawing
Chemistry	Physics	Metal and wood shop
Basic Communication	Basic electricity

Potential for Advancement

Apprentice: Evaluated each year for advance in wages and training.

Journeyman: Can become foremen, superintendents, draftsmen, estimators, shop owners,
partners, employers or contractors.

Employment Outlook

Refrigeration (air conditioning) is comparatively new, but is a strong craft. Allied with pipefitting and plumbing, it provides an increasing number of jobs as building construction increases. It also provides service jobs as more air conditioning is installed in homes, businesses, and commercial buildings.

How to Apply

Contact the Apprenticeship Training Office for information and job possibilities. All applications (when given out) must be accompanied by a transcript of high school grades or GED test results; proof of date of birth (copy of birth certificate or copy of a valid drivers license). Applicants will be placed on applicant list and placed to work from said list when work becomes available.

Completion Procedure

Upon successful completion of apprenticeship, registered apprentices will receive a certificate
of completion recognizing them as journeymen. To receive state license as plumbers, they must pass a written and performance test before the State Licensing Board.

Program Locations and Additional Information Sources

Director of Training
Billings Piping Ind. JATC
P.O. Box 30616
Billings MT 59107

Local #41 Plumbing Trades JATC
P.O. Box 3172
Butte MT 59701
Phone: 406-723-6078

Local #41-Great Falls
P.O. Box 1703
Great Falls MT 59403
Phone: 406-452-1973

Missoula Plumbing Trade JATC
1026 South 5th Street West
Missoula MT 59801
Phone: 406-549-3479

Montana Department of Labor & Industry Apprenticeship & Training Program
P.O. Box 1728
Helena MT 59624-1728
Phone: 406-444-4500
wsd.dli.mt.gov/apprenticeship/apprentice.asp

This information is general in nature; for more specific entrance requirements, wages, and advancement information contact the Training Director in your area.