What is your educational and professional background?

I joined the fast track training programme at Star from another department within the company. I had previously completed a pipe fitting apprenticeship within Star’s production department. I then took on the new challenge of becoming an industrial refrigeration engineer.

What attracted you to the refrigeration industry and to Star in particular?

Having already worked at Star I knew all about Star’s values and how good the training was. I had worked with engineers from within the various branches who all encouraged me to start the Fast Track programme. I was attracted to it as I had been a part of building industrial refrigeration systems and I wanted to learn how everything worked!

Describe your fast-track training experience with Star Refrigeration?

I found the Fast Track training Programme challenging but enjoyable. I had plenty of support from the Bellshill branch and training facilitators throughout the full process.

What benefits have you found from your Fast-Track?

I have received extensive engineering training and my knowledge of industrial refrigeration has improved significantly. I have become more interested in how things work and more confident in my decision making abilities to maintain and service cooling equipment at our many customer sites. Building relationships with customers as well as developing my communication skills were also part of the training programme.

What does your current role involve? 

My current role changes day-to-day. Some days consist of carrying out maintenance checks on customers’ sites to make sure the plant is operating as efficiently as possible and downtime is minimised. Other days, I can be fault-finding inside a control panel or overhauling a compressor. It is very varied and exciting, everyday you learn something new.

What do you enjoy most about what you have been working on, and what are your biggest challenges?

I enjoy the responsibility of working on my own and being able to make decisions, whilst knowing I have a good team of experts ready to help. The biggest challenge for me has been the electrical and controls side of the system, as I’m from a mechanical engineering background. However, I’m learning more and improving everyday.

How long have you been working for Star? What do you like about working for the company?

I’ve worked for Star for over 8 years now across 2 different departments. I find the company very good to work for as you have plenty of support across all departments. Everyone is friendly and willing to help. The role also comes with an excellent benefits package.

What type of role are you looking to develop into in the future?

In the future, I would like to progress through Star’s internal Engineer ST grading system and eventually onto management.

What advice would you give to engineers from other disciplines looking to re-train as industrial refrigeration engineers?

Go for it! There’s plenty of support throughout the company and lots of people who will help you along in the process. It’s all about development and you’ll pick things up in time. The Fast-Track is an excellent introduction to a career in industrial refrigeration.