ITI Trade: Mechanic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC)
Introduction
The ITI trade Mechanic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) is a skill-based vocational training program under NCVT (National Council for Vocational Training). This course is designed to provide students with the technical skills required to install, maintain, and repair refrigeration and air conditioning systems used in residential, commercial, and industrial setups.
With rapid urbanization and technological advancements, the demand for skilled RAC mechanics is constantly increasing. Air conditioning and refrigeration have become essential components in homes, offices, automobiles, factories, and healthcare facilities, creating numerous employment opportunities for trained professionals.
This trade is highly job-oriented and offers multiple career options in both government and private sectors. Additionally, self-employment opportunities are vast, as individuals can start their own service and repair business. The ITI Mechanic RAC trade is structured to meet the growing industrial and commercial demand in India and abroad.
Scope and Career Opportunities
The ITI Mechanic RAC trade has a wide scope in multiple industries. After successful completion of this course, candidates can find employment in:
✔ Government Sectors – Railways, Metro, Airports, Municipal Corporations, Indian Defense Forces, PWD, etc.
✔ Private Companies – HVAC Service Companies, Manufacturing Plants, Malls, Hotels, Hospitals, and Factories.
✔ Self-Employment – Start an independent refrigeration and A/C repair business or service center.
✔ International Opportunities – Skilled RAC mechanics are in demand in Gulf countries, Europe, the USA, Australia, and Southeast Asia.
Some of the key employment areas include:
🔹 Domestic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Services
🔹 Commercial Refrigeration and HVAC Systems
🔹 Cold Storage Facilities & Industrial Cooling
🔹 Automobile Air Conditioning Repair & Maintenance
🔹 Retail and Wholesale HVAC Service Providers
Core Skills and Training Areas
During the one-year (two-semester) course, students gain expertise in Professional Skills, Professional Knowledge, Engineering Drawing, Workshop Science & Calculation, and Employability Skills. The training is divided into basic, intermediate, and advanced levels, covering both theory and practical applications.
🛠 Key Skills and Topics Covered
1️⃣ Basic Skills and Tool Handling
- Identification and usage of RAC tools and instruments
- Safety measures and proper handling of tools
- Use of hand tools and power tools for installation and servicing
2️⃣ Metal and Sheet Work
- Sheet metal cutting, bending, and fabrication
- Riveting, soldering, and making ducts for air conditioning units
- Basic fitting work – sawing, filing, drilling, tapping, counter-sinking, and boring
3️⃣ Electrical and Electronic Training
- Basics of electricity, voltage, current, and resistance measurement
- Electrical safety and different types of wire joints
- Single-phase and three-phase motor connections
- Understanding compressor terminals and relay circuits
- Testing and installation of electrical components like relays, capacitors, contactors, etc.
4️⃣ PCB and Electronic Components Handling
- Identification and testing of resistors, transistors, capacitors, diodes, amplifiers, and ICs
- Hands-on training in soldering and de-soldering of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)
- Construction of half-wave and full-wave rectifiers
5️⃣ Welding and Brazing Techniques
- Gas welding and arc welding safety measures
- Brazing techniques for joining copper tubes used in refrigeration systems
6️⃣ Refrigeration System Components and Installation
- Understanding compressors, condensers, evaporators, and expansion valves
- Leak detection, vacuuming, gas charging, refrigerant recovery
- Insulation and sealing techniques to prevent cooling leakage
- Preventive maintenance of walk-in coolers and cold storage systems
7️⃣ Domestic Refrigerator Repair and Maintenance
- Door alignment, gasket fitting, and replacement
- Checking and repairing refrigerator compressor terminals
- Flushing, leak testing, and replacing capillary tubes and filter driers
- Servicing frost-free refrigerators and freezers
8️⃣ Window and Split Air Conditioner Maintenance
- Wiring, installation, and troubleshooting of Window & Split A/C units
- Leak detection, evacuation, gas charging, and performance testing
- Preventive maintenance and repair of cooling systems
9️⃣ Automobile Air Conditioning (Car A/C) Systems
- Fault diagnosis and troubleshooting of magnetic clutch wiring
- Gas evacuation and charging of automobile A/C units
- Leak detection and performance testing
🔟 Industrial Refrigeration and HVAC Systems
- Handling of commercial hermetic compressors
- Servicing of water-cooled condensers and chillers
- Installation of industrial HVAC systems for large factories, hospitals, and malls
Advanced Industry Applications
The course provides in-depth knowledge about advanced industrial applications such as:
🏭 Cold Storage and Food Processing Plants – Maintenance of commercial freezers, blast chillers, and cold rooms.
🚗 Automobile and Transport Refrigeration – Installation and repair of A/C units in buses, trains, and refrigerated trucks.
🏢 Centralized HVAC Systems – Operation and maintenance of large-scale heating, ventilation, and cooling systems.
Higher Studies and Career Progression
After completing ITI Mechanic RAC, students have several options for further education and career advancement:
📚 Diploma in Refrigeration, HVAC, or Mechanical Engineering
📚 Advanced HVAC Certification Programs
📚 Apprenticeship in Government & Private Industries
📚 Crafts Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) – To become an ITI Instructor
Why Choose ITI Mechanic RAC Trade?
✅ Growing Demand – With increasing urbanization and climate control needs, RAC mechanics are in high demand in multiple industries.
✅ Practical and Industry-Oriented Training – The curriculum is designed to provide hands-on experience in repairing, troubleshooting, and maintaining air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
✅ Multiple Career Paths – The trade offers opportunities in government jobs, private sector employment, and self-employment.
✅ Self-Employment Opportunities – Trained RAC mechanics can start their own repair and maintenance businesses for refrigerators, air conditioners, and HVAC systems.
✅ International Job Prospects – HVAC and refrigeration mechanics are highly sought after in Gulf countries, Europe, and Australia.
Conclusion
The ITI trade Mechanic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) is an excellent vocational course for students interested in technical, mechanical, and electrical fields. With training in installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of refrigeration and A/C systems, graduates have multiple career options in government, private, and self-employment sectors.
As the HVAC and refrigeration industry continues to expand, the demand for skilled RAC mechanics will always remain high, making this trade an excellent choice for a secure and rewarding career.