"Star is the only refrigeration company I have worked for where there are grades. Everybody knows their skill grade and can find the requirements needed to progress in their professional careers. It really helps to know what further experience and skills are needed to progress in your role."

Freddie Pireyn, Refrigeration Engineer

Freddie is a field engineer at Star Refrigeration, managing industrial refrigeration systems and handling business development in the South West. His refrigeration career began in 1996, with a focus on electromechanical engineering. Freddie transitioned to industrial refrigeration in 2012 and joined Star in 2020, where he progressed to an ST4 grade in less than four years. He values the supportive and cooperative environment at Star, with open communication and regular health and safety meetings. The structured grading system clearly outlines career progression, and training opportunities allow Freddie to advance his skills. He believes Star is an ideal place for engineers looking to develop in industrial refrigeration, offering varied opportunities across the industry.

Can you tell us a bit about your role at Star?

I am a service engineer, servicing and maintaining industrial refrigeration systems for a variety of customers. I am also a business development engineer for the South West.

Have you always been an engineer – when did you first begin working in refrigeration?

I have been working as a refrigeration engineer, as an electromechanical engineer or technical sales engineer.

I started working as a refrigeration engineer in 1996, just after obtaining my qualification. I then worked as an electromechanical engineer, where refrigeration was just one part of the role.

I came back to a pure refrigeration engineer role in 2008 and started industrial refrigeration in 2012.

At what point in your career did you come into Star and how long did it take you to move onwards and upwards?

I started to work for Star in April 2020. I have just been granted ST4 grade this month, less than four years after my beginnings with Star.

What were the biggest changes you noticed when you moved from your previous company to Star Refrigeration?

I noticed an increase in harmony and understanding among the team. It felt like everyone was more at ease with each other, fostering a more cooperative and peaceful environment.

I also found that there is more dialogue within the Star group and various departments.

In our monthly health and safety meetings, which are followed by the engineering meeting, we have the opportunity to come together with all our colleagues and management to discuss any concerns openly and find solutions.

Since you’ve been at Star, how have you found that the structured progression for engineers here has helped you?

Firstly, Star is the only refrigeration company I have worked for where there are grades. Everybody knows their skill grade and can find the requirements needed to progress in their professional careers.

It really helps to know what further experience and skills are needed to progress in your role.

What does Star offer you for the future in terms of developing your unique career path?

There are opportunities to progress within Star: training via SLS or via outside companies, through the grading system, and new opportunities advertised companywide.

What advice would you give to anyone who is looking to advance their career in industrial refrigeration?

As Star covers the whole of the industrial refrigeration industry, from sale, design, production, installation, commissioning, and maintenance, I would say that Star offers the most opportunities for an engineer in industrial refrigeration.

Freddie Pireyn, Refrigeration Engineer