Apprenticeship ยท Level 6 ยท Electrical

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

A four-year craft apprenticeship installing and repairing refrigeration and air conditioning systems. It suits people who want variety, using electrical, plumbing and welding skills.

How apprenticeships work: you are hired by an approved employer and paid while you learn, mixing work with blocks of training in a college or training centre. You don't apply through the CAO and you don't need CAO points.

Key facts

How long
4 years (7 phases: 4 on-the-job, 3 off-the-job)
Award
QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft โ€“ Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Where you train
  • National training centres and colleges (ETBs, TUs)
Pay
Employer pays a salary on the job. The ETB pays a training allowance during off-the-job phases, and may help with travel or accommodation.
Costs
Student contribution of โ‚ฌ1,000 for Phase 4 and โ‚ฌ1,000 for Phase 6.

Entry requirements

  • You must be hired by an employer approved by SOLAS
  • You must pass the Ishihara Colour Vision Test (24 Plate Edition)
  • Good English is needed. Shown by Junior Cycle, Leaving Cert or LCA English, an NFQ Level 3 award with Communications, or an approved English test such as IELTS 4.0-5.0 or CEFR B1
  • Check full eligibility in the apprenticeship brochure or with your local ETB

How to apply

You must be hired by an approved employer. Search the Apprenticeship Jobs page or ask your local ETB about employers hiring.

Official page on apprenticeship.ie โ†—

What you'll learn

  • Installing and servicing refrigeration equipment
  • Installing and servicing air conditioning systems
  • Welding, plumbing and electrical work
  • Testing systems and finding faults
  • Reading drawings and fabricating components

Where it can lead

  • Self-employed craftsperson in private homes
  • Contractor in industrial and commercial buildings
  • Progress to engineer, manager, business owner, teacher or instructor

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Engineering, Physics, Construction Studies, Technology

These help with the content of the programme; they are not entry requirements unless listed above.

Other Electrical apprenticeships

Tertiary degrees in Engineering and Engineering Trades

Not sure which route suits you?

Our CAO Interest Test matches you to course areas, and now shows apprenticeships and tertiary degrees in your strongest areas too.

Take the CAO Interest Test โ†’ Try the free 3-minute test

Information from apprenticeship.ie, checked November 2026. Details can change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.