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- .Air Conditioning Fitter
- engineering
- Soldier
- Regular
Air Conditioning Fitter
We need experts in air conditioning and refrigeration at Army bases all over the world. With our training, you’ll have skills for a lifelong career.
Royal Engineers
Starting salary
£27,282
Age range
16 - 36
Role details
Everything you need to know about the role, requirements and what you’ll gain.
Age
You can join between the ages of 16 – 36. At the time of your application you will need to be between 15 years & 7 months old and 35 years & 6 months old.
You can start your training as a Junior Soldier at the Army Foundation College from the age of 16 years and 6 months.
Fitness
Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3m
2km run 11 min
Education
GCSE Grade A–C/9-5 or Scottish National 5 grade A-C in Maths,
GCSE Grade A–C/9-4 or Scottish National 5 grade A-C in English Language and one other subject
Need help?
Unsure about any requirements? Our recruitment team is here to help.
Royal Engineers
The Royal Engineers (RE) are multi-skilled soldiers, combat engineers and tradespeople, providing essential support to all areas of the British Army.
An Air Conditioning Fitter installs, operates and maintains a variety of industrial, commercial and domestic refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment. You'll get your car driving licence and gain a civilian qualification in commercial refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. You'll travel all over the world, make close friends, and experience all the Adventurous Training and sport you can handle.
Air Conditioning Fitter is a Technical role in the Royal Engineers. All the Royal Engineer soldier job roles are divided into 5 groups. When you apply to the Engineers, you will apply to the trade group rather than the specific trade.
Key responsibilities
Design and install air-conditioning and refrigeration systems
Learn commercial brazing and pipefitting
Work on electrical installation and fault finding
Develop expertise in task planning
Step 1
Your initial military training teaches you how to be a soldier, covering everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle.
If you join as a Junior Soldier (under 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do the basic military training (short) course at Harrogate.
If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do the regular adult basic training.
Step 2
You head to the Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment near Camberley, Surrey, for 12 weeks. Here you learn military engineering skills, such as knots and lashings, demolition, mine warfare and bridge building. Finally, you go the Royal School of Military Engineering in Chatham, Kent, for 43-weeks, where you learn to set up, look after and commission refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment.
You'll earn £27,282 a year from the start of your training, which will go up as you progress throughout your career.
Level 2 Award in F Gas and ODS Regulations (City and Guilds)
Level 2 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning CPD Pathways (City and Guilds)
Cat B driving licence
Your application journey
From application to training, you can expect a timeline of around 3-6 months.
Timelines can vary based on individual circumstances.
Online application
Complete your application form online. You'll need details about your education, work history, and why you want to join the Army.
Individual Careers Discussion
Meet with an Army Recruiter who will discuss your application, answer questions, and guide you through the next steps.
Medical Checks
Next you'll have your medical records checked. This could take some time as it's a really important step to make sure it's safe for you to join.
Assessment centre
Attend a 2-day residential assessment where you'll complete fitness tests, cognitive assessments, medical examinations, and team exercises.
Security clearance
Background and security checks are conducted. This can take longer depending on your personal circumstances and history.
Real Army Life
Ask a Soldier
Get honest answers from real soldiers in the roles you’re interested in. Read previously asked questions or ask your own.
You can expect to travel all over the world as a Royal Engineer. In my nearly 15 years in the military as a serving Royal Engineer I have deployed on operations and exercises all over the the UK, Germany, Cyprus, Afghanistan, Turkey, Italy, France and Belgium.
As a Royal Engineer, you can expect opportunities to work and train in the UK and overseas. Sappers support operations globally, using their skills to solve real-world engineering challenges in different environments and alongside a wide range of Army units.
Rob Needham
Royal Engineers
Anybody who has a good general level of fitness will be absolutely fine. Basic training is about taking you from being fit to being Army fit.
You don’t need to arrive as a finished athlete. If you’re reasonably active and willing to put the effort in, you’ll improve quickly with training and support.
Greg H
Royal Military Police
It’s similar to a normal working day, with gyms, food halls and social spaces available on camp.
Living on a base gives you a good balance of structure and normal day‑to‑day life. Your days usually have a routine, like training, work and meals, but there’s also plenty of time to relax. You live close to the people you work with, so there’s a strong sense of community. In the evenings or downtime, you might go to the gym, watch TV, play sport or just catch up with mates. Everything you need is close by, which makes settling in much easier.
Holly J
Royal Adjutant's Corps
From day one you’re trained, supported and developed - you’re never left to figure things out alone.
You’re very well supported. Instructors are there to guide you, and don't forget, you join alongside others who are just as new, so you learn and settle in as a team.
Carlington R
Royal Engineers
Most days you finish work and can spend your evenings however you like, and you’re usually free to go away at weekends.
When you’re not on duty, your time is your own. Many people use evenings and weekends to relax, keep active, or spend time with friends on camp.
James M
Infantry
Your future starts here
Every Air Conditioning Fitter started exactly where you are now. Take the first step.
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