Chae Poulsen, Fast Track Engineer
Chae completed the fast track engineering training programme at Star's Aberdeen branch in just 12 months and has progressed to an ST2C engineer. His current role involves going to weekly or monthly maintenance works and services on customer sites. His long term ambitions are to continue working his way up the engineering grading system.
What is your education background?
I was only in education until secondary school, I left in 5th year just before Christmas to start a job as an apprentice electrician.
How did you start working at Star? / What brought you to Star?
I was approached by Alec Reid and Kevin Fraser, two members of the Aberdeen branch, looking to start a new team. They asked if I’d be interested in completing the fast track programme and they would use me as electrician while I completed the programme.
What benefits have you found from your Fast track?
It was great to learn a new skill set. I completed the fast track in 12 months, which is half as long as normal apprenticeship would take. I really enjoyed learning about industrial refrigeration engineering whilst also applying my skills as an electrician during site visits.
What does your current role involve?
I am a ST2C engineer. My role involves going out to weekly or monthly maintenance works and service works on our client sites.
What do you enjoy most about what you have been working on, and what are the biggest challenges you face?
We have a really good team at Aberdeen branch.
In this job we are always learning – it is important to keep the learning hat on 24/7 which can be difficult but worth it.
How long have you been working for Star? What do you like about working for the company?
I joined Star Refrigeration in February 2020. I think the employee benefits are really good, I really appreciate those for example the pension and private medical insurance.
What type of role are you looking to develop into in future?
For now I’m happy to work up the engineering grading system but in future I’d like to maybe look into commissioning.