Neil Ryemill, Refrigeration Engineer
Neil is an ST5 engineer at Star Refrigeration, with a career spanning nearly 25 years. He focuses on commissioning, technical strategy, and overseeing major installations, also providing essential technical support and maintenance services. Neil's role demands precision and adaptability, managing projects that often involve remote monitoring and advanced data management. Choosing an apprenticeship at Star over university, Neil was drawn by the practical training and career potential offered, which helped him progress through Star’s detailed grading system. He values the innovative and varied nature of his work, which keeps him engaged and continuously learning. Neil advises anyone interested in industrial refrigeration to embrace the opportunities in this secure and evolving field, highlighting the sector's contribution to energy efficiency and the global push towards Net Zero.
Can you tell us a bit about your current role?
I’m an ST5 engineer at Star. I work on commissioning, technical strategy, major overhauls or large installations that might take long periods of time or need to be completed to specific timeframes. I also provide technical support to the businesses we work with, including maintenance and servicing, and some of the sites use remote monitoring and data management.
When and why did you first join Star?
I started at Star nearly 25 years ago. After A-levels I wanted to spend a year or two as an apprentice before going to university. However, the training I was receiving at Star was such that I could really see a future opening up just by going down that route. I could earn as I learned, and also it was the sort of technical and hands-on knowledge that is impossible to gain via a university degree alone, so I joined Star permanently because it provided me with the resources I needed to build a career.
How have you found that the grade system at Star has helped you to progress your engineering career?
From my own experience I would say gives you that structure and guidance so you’re always confident about what you’re doing. When I started at Star there weren’t so many levels in the early years, but it took you longer to get through them. Now there are five engineer levels, each of them subdivided, which means there’s a lot more detail about what’s expected of you at every stage. It gives you the best foundation to progress because you’ve always got a clear definition of what you’re meant to be learning and doing at any point.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced and what type of work really tests your skills?
One of the biggest challenges in my earlier days at Star was when I progressed from ST3 to ST4 level. We were commissioning a large install at a very sizeable dairy, which from start to finish took nearly six months. The job required ongoing PLC testing both on and off site, so the detail and length of the installation really grew my skill set. More recently I’d say it’s been the fast track installs and commissioning jobs that have been the biggest challenges. Working within tight timeframes is a great test of your competencies.
What do you most enjoy about the role?
Honestly I know it sounds like a standard thing to say, but it really is keeping the customers happy. Also I enjoy the innovation – there are always new solutions and new technology to learn about. My days can be pretty varied too, so all that keeps it interesting for me.
What does Star offer you for the future in terms of developing your unique career path?
As an engineer you get to experience a lot of different aspects of the business – maintenance, compliance, installation, testing etc. So depending on what you enjoy, you could go into any of those areas, or sales, management, whatever. If you want to specialise, there’s plenty of opportunity.
What advice would you give to anyone who is looking to advance their career in industrial refrigeration?
It’s a rewarding industry because it’s secure but also varied – no two days are the same. You’re always improving your knowledge through training or on the job learning. Also you’re part of a team that is helping to drive down carbon emissions, as good maintenance improves energy efficiency, and the industry is changing all the time to meet Net Zero. I would advise anyone considering it to go for it. There’s so much work and potential out there, it’s a great career.