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''The variation of work is another area that differs. Rarely is any day the same as the previous one, and the challenges of maintaining and servicing somewhere in the region of 20 different sites, means you can never sit back on your laurels and think that you know-it-all. If I spend another 20 years plus working in refrigeration, I still don’t think I’d be able to profess to this!''
''As a Fast Track Engineer, your previous engineering skills are recognised and you are actively encouraged and supported by a mentor programme to develop and transfer these skills into the world of refrigeration.''
Richard Gahan, Refrigeration Engineer
Richard joined Star’s Fast Track Training programme After an 18 year career in the Royal Navy working in an operational role working alongside highly trained engineers in support of the UK’s Strategic Deterrent. As a result of this learned engineering knowledge, Richard completed the Fast Track programme in just 9 months, becoming a fully qualified industrial refrigeration engineer. His advice to anyone serving in the armed forces looking to move into a career in refrigeration engineering is to fully utilise the resources that the Armed Forces offer when you make that life-changing decision to ‘push-the-button’ and leave. Pick resettlement courses that are relevant to refrigeration, such as the Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump course.
''The structure to becoming an engineer for star is very similar to that of the armed forces, which was great for myself as it helped moving to civilian lifestyle a lot easier.''
''I joined star with an NVQ level 2 in mechanical and electrical engineering, I feel working for star is massively helping me with my career development plan.''
Jordan Fiddes, Fast Track Refrigeration Engineer
After serving as a Marine Engineer in the Royal Navy where he learned about refrigeration and became fascinated by it, he decided to make a career change and joined Star's Fast Track into Industrial Refrigeration Engineering programme. Jordan found the transition easy as the structure to becoming an engineer in Star is similar to that of the Armed Forces and he feels supported in achieving his career development plan.
''From the very beginning Star have been so supportive, from having dedicated study days to internal support & guidance from colleagues.''
''100% go for it! I believe the workplace (and the world) thrives on diversity so don’t let anything hold you back.''
Eleanor Ford, Maintenance Manager
After finishing her A-Levels, Eleanor applied for a level 2 apprenticeship in Business and Administration at Star Refrigeration. After completing her apprenticeship she was offered a full time role and has progressed through the business, working as a Service Controller and progressing to Maintenance Manager at Star's Manchester Branch.
''An entry level apprenticeship position will form the foundation of a lifelong successful career in any form of engineering whether that be industrial refrigeration or plumbing.''
''I have been fortunate enough to attend the IOR awards ceremony after becoming a finalist for the Apprentice of the Year Award, which proves the quality of the training we received at Star.''
Kelvin Clamp, Refrigeration Engineering Apprentice
After 6th form, Kelvin decided he wanted to do something 'hands on' as he always enjoyed learning how things work and decided to apply for a refrigeration engineering apprenticeship at Star. A large part of the work he does is preventative maintenance, which usually consists of frequent performance checks to ensure systems are running at their design efficiency. Kelvin was recently a finalist at the IOR Apprentice of the Year Awards and hopes to progress through the engineering grading system after completing the apprenticeship.
''Big multinational companies in diverse industries such as petrochemical, cold chain and pharma put their trust on me daily.''
''A personal career highlight was being involved in the installation and commissioning of one of Europe’s largest cold stores. My hard work was recognised and I was invited to the industry's national ACR awards ceremony where we won the ‘Project of the Year’ award presented by Jeff Stelling.''
Milo Tolley, Refrigeration Engineer
Milo originally undertook an apprenticeship at a competitor but switched to Star so I could progress my career with Star's trainee scheme. As a fast track engineer, Milo was able to combine a 4 year apprenticeship into just 18 months. A personal career highlight was being involved in the installation and commissioning of one of Europe’s largest cold stores. After completing his apprenticeship he can go on to Star’s 5 level Engineering grading program to improve his competence, take the managerial route or further his education with a university degree while working as an engineer.
''What I like most is being part of the marketing team and seeing the results of a campaign - in university you write plans but never get to see them being implemented.''
''I have worked at Star since 2018 and what I like the most is everyone is supportive, friendly, approachable and that the company encourages creativity. I also think there are lots of opportunities at Star to enhance your learning and work on exciting projects.''
Anna Flanagan, Marketing Graduate
While studying Marketing, Anna undertook several summer internships at Star and began a full time role upon graduating from university. A highlight of working in Star has been marketing for Star’s 50th birthday focusing on PR, social media, corporate gifts and the website. In the future, Anna would like to progress into the role of a marketing manager.
''I think the employee benefits are really good, I really appreciate those for example the pension and private medical insurance''
''It was great to learn a new skill set. I completed the fast track training programme in 12 months. I really enjoyed learning about industrial refrigeration engineering whilst also applying my skills as an electrician during site visits.''
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.
''He told me of all of the benefits Star offered with employment and after hearing these amazing benefits I couldn’t turn it down.''
''The trust the management showed continued throughout my apprenticeship and even to this day, I have been a fully qualified engineer for almost 5 years now and I would say that has definitely helped my career progression. Overall Star has a great apprenticeship program and this produces engineers at the top of the trade.''
Keir Dickson, Refrigeration Engineer
After the factory he was working for closed down and he had to leave his previous Apprenticeship, Keir joined Star as a second year Industrial Refrigeration Engineering Apprentice, attracted by the benefits that Star offers to its employees. 5 years on from completing his apprenticeship, he works as an ST2 engineer and hopes to progress to an ST3 engineer by the end of the year. In the future, Keir has ambitions to enter a supervisor or manager role.
''Having both academic and hands on learning has been the perfect route for me and has provided a great foundation to build my future career.''
''I have had a great experience as an apprentice at Star so far, everyone has been extremely helpful and given me assistance. I have progressed very quickly and been given responsibility over full contract models and drawings which has made me feel like an integral part of the star design team.''
Cameron Coleman, Apprentice Draughtsperson
After completing his Higher exams, Cammy joined an apprentice training centre which introduced him to Star and he began a draughtsman apprenticeship. Through working, learning and training he produces and develops 3D models and 2D drawings from refrigeration packages, site layouts and large site pipework models. His advice to other young people is to do something you will enjoy investing the time and work into, and find a company who is also willing to put the time and effort into progressing you to your full potential.
''Being awarded third place at the IOR Scotland Apprentice of the Year Awards in 2018 after being nominated by my line manager was a huge highlight for me.''
''I was attracted to Star because they work with a lot of big customers such as Asda and Tesco with big sites which I was really interested in. Star are always looking to improve and expand into different areas of refrigeration and heat pumps where others have not been before.''
Gavin Kidd, Refrigeration Engineer
Gavin began an apprenticeship at Star’s Bellshill branch in May 2016 and now works full time as a fully qualified refrigeration engineer. Through his apprenticeship he gained multiple qualifications including an NC and an SCQF Level 5 in Electrical Engineering but his highlight was winning third place at IOR Scotland Apprentice Of The Year awards. He now hopes to undertake an engineering management course and progress to a more senior role within Star.
"With the right attitude and this understanding of what you are working on, anything is possible."
"I really enjoy the amount of exposure to different challenges and customers sites I receive on a daily basis."
Lylle Perks, Refrigeration Engineer
Star Refrigeration’s Lyell Perks was crowned National Student of the Year at the RAC Cooling Industry Awards 2014. Lyell began his journey with Star at the Oxford branch in 2011 and became a fully qualified engineer in the summer of 2015 after completing his apprenticeship. Here are Lyell’s thoughts on apprenticeships, becoming Student of the Year, working with Star, and what’s in store for his future in the industry.
“The main benefit is the diversity and range of staff and their knowledge and having access to them daily”
“The variety and the responsibility and autonomy I have been given; seeing the finished product of my work is really rewarding.”
Nicola MacDougall, Finance Graduate
After studying a BA in Accountancy at Glasgow Caledonian University, Nicola began a finance internship with Star. Her main focus is working on Starfrost- looking at Star’s reports and processes and ensuring consistency with these.
“It was good to see in person and made me realise engineering was a good choice for me.”
“Ethos has tapped into a market with huge potential whilst having a key focus on reducing impact on the environment – which I think is very special and responsible.”
Tom Paton, Intern at SDA
While studying Mechanical Engineering at Herriot Watt University, Tom has done 3 summer placements with Star. Tom initially worked on Ethos; after this he worked a within in the design department and in 2020 moved over to SDA.
"If I had known how diverse and bespoke the refrigeration systems were, I would have joined the industry earlier."
Bruce Smeaton, Senior Consultant at STS
After graduating from Glasgow University, Bruce worked initially with heat exchangers, fans and compressors. After this, he moved to work for Star within in design department and in 2014 moved over to STS where he has progressed further to Senior Consultant.
"I have received practical, hands-on training and theoretical training at a college. The practical aspect of it involved shadowing the most experienced refrigeration engineers in the company to whom I will always be grateful for their continuous support and encouragement."
Paul Newton, Service Manager
After breaking his ankle during the first week of his training in the army, Paul Newton joined Star Refrigeration’s Operations Group as an industrial refrigeration apprentice engineer. His story illustrates the way careers are sometimes forged through unexpected circumstances. Paul’s first career choice was not an apprenticeship, but turned out to be the right one! Paul has since progressed to his current role of Service Manager for Star Refrigeration’s Derby branch.
"I’ll never forget that I left the army on Thursday 28th February and entered into my new engineering job the very next day (yes a Friday)!"
“Star Refrigeration is highly renowned for innovation and for their pioneering technological developments across the world. With an award-winning engineering team, I was confident I was in good hands and was going to learn from the best.”
Dave Bartlett, Operations Training Manager
From star musician to Star Refrigeration– how Star’s Training Manager moved from the army to the office. Dave Bartlett served in the Armed Forces for 18 years. On leaving the military Dave began a career in refrigeration as an engineer with Star, before moving into management. He’s now been with the business for nearly 25 years. We spoke with Dave to find out how the transition happened and what it was like for him.
“Refrigeration has a funny way of getting you hooked. It is fast paced and no two days are the same, which is the way I like it.
“I completed my fast track training pathway in just under a year. A year later I was given the opportunity to become the Branch Contracts Manager. It has been a steep learning curve with many challenges but it is extremely rewarding. There is always someone happy to lend a hand and offer their advice."
Marc Gault, Regional Branch Contracts Manager
Marc Gault decided to transition from the military back to civilian life after serving in many operational tours. He was keen to continue down an engineering career path and had some exposure to refrigeration during his time in the Army. After some research, he reached out to Star and was enrolled into the fast track training programme he completed in under a year.
"There are lots of opportunities for career development and promotion – which I really value."
"I fancied the refrigeration sector as it’s a skilled trade and it would allow me to be mobile, hands on, along with being a fresh new challenge for me.”
Aaron Garner, Refrigeration Engineer
Aaron decided to transition to civilian life after 17 years in the Army. He looked to the refrigeration sector as a new challenge. After more research, he applied for an apprenticeship at Star, using the online learning portal and enrolling in the fast-track program to become an industrial refrigeration engineer at our Manchester branch.
"When I looked into the industry I couldn’t believe the scale of it - refrigeration is needed everywhere.”
"My eyes were firmly focused on Star Refrigeration due to their reputation and attractive employee package. I applied for Star Refrigeration a couple of months prior to leaving the Armed Forces and I was lucky enough to be offered a position at the Newcastle branch as a fast-track engineer, for which I am eternally grateful.”
Steven Abbott, Industrial Refrigeration Engineer
Steven joined Star after over 22 years service in the Army. His journey with Star began through our elearning website, leading to completing the fast-track training programme in just 18 months and becoming an industrial refrigeration engineer.
“Engineering is about creativity, innovation, hands on practical work and problem solving.”
“I work with a really good team of people at Star who are passionate, knowledgeable and ambitious in what they do…There are opportunities to enhance your career, help gain chartership and attend industry training courses and events. It is rewarding being part of company that provides top quality products and services to secure a better future for staff, customers and environment.”
Claire Syme, Design Engineer
After completing her Masters in Chemical Engineering and trialling a few industrial placements and a graduate programme, Claire came across the refrigeration industry. After some research, she applied for a position within Star and joined the Design team in 2016. Read more about her career highlights.Page 2 of 3