A sometimes overlooked industry now offers major opportunities for jobs in south Essex.

Refrigeration and air conditioning has often been left out in the cold by careers advisers, although it has been developing technically, and growing fast, over the past 20 years.

Prospects College, one of the UK’s most awarded training colleges, has now added practical training in refrigeration and air conditioning to the hands-on courses it runs.

John Mockler, spokesman for the Basildon-based college, said: “Employment opportunities for anyone entering this particular industry are on the increase. Refrigeration and air conditioning needs to take on an increasing number of skilled people to accommodate this growth.

“Prospects has responded to this demand, and we are now running a fast-track further education course lasting 20 weeks. From there, students can move on to a two-year apprenticeship, where they learn from industry professionals and become qualified in their own right.”

There are six broad fields within the industry, all offering major opportunities, according to Prospects. The traditional categories are domestic, commercial, industrial, marine, and refrigerated transport. Automotive air conditioning, now fitted as standard to most production cars, is the latest addition.

Prospects College is working with some of the leading installers of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment in the country. Delta T is just one of the employers offering apprenticeships to those who have successfully completed the Prospects course.

Delta T training manager Simon Wells said: “We are accredited installers for all of the major air conditioning manufacturers. Only the latest state of-the-art equipment is installed by our engineers.

“Working with apprentices is the perfect way to develop staff and their skills to the standards required in this industry.”

Steffen Chapman, an apprentice student with Prospects College, said: “I appreciate the way I am able to develop both practical and theory skills side by side.”

The global market for refrigeration and air conditioning is predicted to reach £10.4billion by 2018. This is largely due to economic growth not only in the UK, but in emerging countries such as China and India.

John said: “Qualified engineers can find work in many companies, so it is a good choice for those who want to travel. For the entrepreneurially minded, there are opportunities to open and develop businesses.”