RSI is a Great Training Option for Everyone
Learn more about how we can prepare you to advance your career.
A reefer technician, also known as a refrigeration technician, specializes in the installation, maintenance, and repair of refrigeration units in vehicles like refrigerated trucks and trailers. These systems are vital to transporting temperature-sensitive goods, including food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.
Unlike general HVAC technicians, reefer techs focus specifically on mobile refrigeration units. This field demands both mechanical and electrical skills. Reefer technicians inspect systems for leaks, diagnose faults, replace worn parts, recharge refrigerants, and run performance tests to maintain proper temperature control.
This job often involves working outside, sometimes in tight or awkward spaces. It requires problem-solving, manual dexterity, and a willingness to keep up with evolving technology in refrigeration.
How Reefer Technician Training Prepares You
Reefer technician training programs, like the Refrigeration Technologies program offered by The Refrigeration School, Inc. (RSI) in Phoenix, AZ, are designed to prepare students for real-world work in the HVAC/R industry.
Students gain hands-on experience with tools and components used in refrigeration. Curriculum often includes:
Get Started on the Path to a New Career
Fill out our form to learn how we can help you change your life.
- Principles of refrigeration
- Electrical systems and controls
- Refrigerant handling and EPA certification preparation
- Diagnostics and maintenance of mobile and stationary refrigeration systems
- Safety practices and equipment use
RSI’s program can be completed in as little as seven months, which means you could begin looking for work in the field in under a year. Training is built around what employers need, with feedback-driven curriculum and instruction by industry professionals.
Graduates may pursue entry-level roles in transportation companies, logistics firms, or service businesses that maintain refrigeration units in commercial fleets.
Who Should Consider Reefer Technician Careers?
This career might suit you if you:
- Prefer working with your hands
- Enjoy fixing mechanical systems
- Like solving real-world problems
- Want a job with stable demand¹
- Prefer short-term training over a four-year degree
People with a background in automotive, HVAC, or general mechanical work often transition smoothly into reefer technician roles. Military veterans with mechanical or electrical experience may also find this path appealing.
The job requires independence, responsibility, and a strong work ethic. Working conditions can vary, and technicians often work outdoors or in vehicle service bays. If you’re not interested in a desk job and want steady, skill-based work, reefer technician careers are worth exploring.
Starting Your Career Journey at RSI
RSI offers a Refrigeration Technologies training program that aligns closely with industry needs. Students receive hands-on training from experienced instructors in a setting focused on career preparation. The Phoenix campus supports students with tutoring, job placement assistance, and other services to help them stay on track.
If you’re looking to enter the workforce quickly, RSI’s focused training can help you build a foundation for a career in HVAC/R, including reefer tech roles.
To learn more about enrollment, program options, or class schedules, contact RSI or call 1-855-935-0486 today.
- Employment is expected to grow Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (499021) in the U.S. from 441200 to 481300 jobs through 2033 in AZ from 9140 to 10810 jobs through 2032. https://www.careeronestop.org – sponsored by the Department of Labor, www.bls.gov, reported as of May 2024. Data pulled April 2025. Visit https://www.rsi.edu/oes for specific details and data backups.
