SPECIAL FOCUS NEWS
Training S
tar Refrigeration has announced the opening of its Nationwide Industrial
Refrigeration Engineering Apprenticeship Programme and the success of two recent graduates, Jack Flinn and Calum Plunkett. Both have successfully completed Star’s three- year apprenticeship programme, demonstrating their hard work and dedication.
In line with one of the company’s
five core values ‘Developing Young People’, the company’s apprenticeship programme provides an opportunity for young people to gain hands-on experience, earn a salary, and achieve qualifications in a fast-growing industry. Star are committed to providing equal opportunities and are looking for responsible and motivated candidates to join its inclusive workforce. James Ward, Star Refrigeration
operations director, said: “We are focused on offering this opportunity to candidates who are looking to start or advance their careers in industrial refrigeration. Our apprenticeship programme has proven to be a great success, with Jack and Calum as great examples of the potential for growth and success in this industry. “We wish them the best in their
future endeavours and encourage others to join our team.” Industrial refrigeration apprentices at Star Refrigeration receive a competitive salary with six- monthly increments based on key performance indicators, starting at £14,460 per annum when joining and rising to £27,720 in year three. The apprenticeship programme offers a unique combination of on- the-job training and college-based studies. Apprentices will work full-
time and receive hands-on training from Star’s experienced engineers, as well as off-the-job training at college alongside apprentices from other industries. As part of Star’s ‘Work, Earn and Learn’ program, participants will graduate as industrial refrigeration engineers with the practical skills and confidence to work independently in their new career. The apprenticeship covers a
range of topics, including service, maintenance and installation of heavy-duty heating and cooling systems. It also covers important learning in health and safety, system optimisation, fault diagnosis and rectification, electrical systems, and customer care. Apprentices will gain qualifications, including an initial engineering qualification and NVQs at Levels 2 & 3 in Service & Maintenance Engineering. Upon graduation, successful
apprentices will be offered permanent employment as Industrial Refrigeration Engineers with opportunities for further progression through Star’s engineering grading system and development into other areas of the business. Access to further education programmes is also available. James Ward said: “The Industrial
Refrigeration Engineering Apprenticeship Programme
provides a structured and proactive approach to managing staff growth and succession planning while also promoting an opportunity for mentorship and leadership within the wider technician team. Apprentices bring a fresh perspective to the workplace, providing a good sense check of current practices and inspiring continuous improvement. With the ability to mould apprentices to meet the specific needs of the company, Star provides training pathways that focus on fundamental learning and modern engineering techniques, ensuring successful completion of the programme for 95% of apprentices.” Star Refrigeration are an Investors in People Platinum, Investors in Young People Gold, and Young Person’s Guarantee accredited employer. The company has been employing apprentices for over 50 years, making it a top choice for those seeking hands-on experience and training in the field. With an average of over 15 years of service, Star employees are a testament to the company’s commitment to investing in its people. Many senior members of the Star team started their careers as apprentices and 25% of the current management team joined the
company through the apprenticeship or trainee programme. “Having recently celebrated 25 years with the company and having started as a trainee myself, I appreciate how valuable a good start is. I have enjoyed every minute of my time in this industry and would encourage anyone to choose it as a career,” said Mr Ward. Star Refrigeration are dedicated
to providing equal opportunities. To apply for the Industrial Refrigeration Engineering Apprenticeship Programme, candidates must have 4 GCSEs / Nat 5s (Grades 4-9) or an NVQ/ BTEC qualification in a technical subject.
T
he Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) is marking National
Apprenticeship Week 2023 (NAW2023) by encouraging employers to pledge to take on at least one new apprentice this year and promote the exciting career opportunities available in the industry.
The theme of NAW2023 is ‘skills
for life’ and events during the week will celebrate the benefits that apprenticeships present and give everyone involved in apprenticeships a chance to raise awareness, understanding and excitement around the opportunities on offer. BESA believes apprenticeships are the best way to equip the building engineering workforce with the modern skills needed to be “fit for the future” and meet growing demand in areas such as indoor air quality, decarbonisation of heating, and renewables.
The industry must urgently
address problems created by its rapidly ageing workforce with a high
8 March 2023 •
www.acr-news.com
Download the ACR News app today
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
