Careers

"Star provides dedicated study days and monthly training at the Oxford branch, which has been invaluable for understanding how refrigeration plants work and how each component functions."

Michael Robertson, Industrial Refrigeration Apprentice

Michael was drawn to industrial refrigeration because of its essential role in everyday life, from food distribution to medical preservation. After researching career opportunities, he discovered Star Refrigeration’s apprenticeship program and saw it as an excellent training opportunity. His apprenticeship offers a mix of hands-on experience, dedicated study days, and technical training at Star’s Oxford branch. Michael has already worked on exciting projects, including chiller pump removals and control panel commissioning, and he looks forward to upcoming projects that will further expand his knowledge. With strong mentorship and a supportive learning environment, he is building a solid foundation for a successful career in refrigeration engineering.

What inspired you to pursue an apprenticeship in industrial refrigeration engineering?

I was drawn to this field because of how fascinating and essential it is. Without refrigeration, we wouldn’t have distribution centers to store and transport food efficiently, making it a crucial part of daily life. I found it interesting how complex these systems are and the impact they have on the world around us.

How did you learn about Star Refrigeration’s apprenticeship program, and what made you choose to join the company?

I was looking into different career opportunities when I came across Star Refrigeration’s apprenticeship vacancy page. After reading about the benefits package and training program, I could see that Star’s apprenticeship programme was second to none. Choosing this apprenticeship was the best decision I’ve made so far.

What does a typical day look like for you during your apprenticeship?

No two days are the same. One day I might be doing routine maintenance, and the next, I could be stripping down a compressor. The variety of tasks means I’m always gaining new experiences and learning something different every day.

How has Star Refrigeration supported your learning and development during your apprenticeship?

Star provides dedicated study days, which are extremely helpful for keeping up with college work and revision. I also get four days a month to train at the Oxford branch with the training team, which has been invaluable for understanding how refrigeration plants work and how each component functions. The training days, along with support from management, have been incredibly beneficial.

Are there any specific projects you’ve worked on that have been particularly exciting or rewarding?

One of the most fascinating projects I’ve been involved in was at a maritime site in central London, where we removed a chiller pump. I was able to be part of that job from start to finish, which was a great experience. More recently, we worked on commissioning a new supervisor panel at another site in London, which was eye-opening and really rewarding.

Looking ahead, I’m particularly excited about an upcoming project at a new distribution centre in Kent. I’ll be part of the team seeing how it all comes together, which will be a great learning experience.

What kind of mentorship or guidance have you received from more experienced engineers at Star?

Every single engineer I’ve worked with has been more than happy to answer any questions I have. Star has also assigned me a mentor who I have monthly meetings with, and he’s always available to take my calls if I need guidance. The support from experienced engineers has been amazing.

How do you balance hands-on work with the academic learning aspects of your apprenticeship?

The study days provided by Star are really helpful in balancing both the practical and academic sides of the apprenticeship. I also attend college one day a week, where I focus on learning theory and completing coursework. Star has been very accommodating in ensuring I have the time needed to stay on top of my studies.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned about refrigeration that you never knew before starting?

The sheer variety of applications for refrigeration equipment. I initially thought it was mostly used for food storage in distribution centers, but I’ve since learned that it plays a crucial role in many other industries, including medicine. Refrigeration helps keep people comfortable, ensures food supply chains function efficiently, and even supports healthcare by preserving medicines. It affects so many aspects of daily life.

What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship in industrial refrigeration engineering?

Don’t go into it thinking it’ll be easy—it takes effort, but the rewards are worth it. You get out of it what you put in, so if you’re willing to work hard, you’ll gain invaluable skills and experience.

Michael Robertson, Industrial Refrigeration Apprentice