At a Glance
- Tasks: Install, service, and maintain innovative cooling systems while gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: Join Aqua, a leading provider of temperature control solutions with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 25 days annual leave, and perks like gym memberships and private medical cover.
- Other info: Gain a Level 3 NVQ qualification while working alongside experienced engineers.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in engineering with a supportive team and real-world impact.
- Qualifications: A positive attitude and a full driving licence (or working towards one) are essential.
The predicted salary is between 38250 - 46750 £ per year.
Job Role: Apprentice Service Engineers – Process Cooling/Industrial Refrigeration
Reports to: Regional Service Manager
Location: Remote working – Based at our HQ in Southampton
The Company:
Established in 2001, Aqua design, supply and install innovative temperature control solutions across the UK. Our Sales, Hire and Service teams support customers from every industry sector, whether they are looking to purchase, hire or maintain equipment. Products include process chillers, adiabatic, dry air & free coolers, cooling towers, temperature control units, boilers, air conditioning units and portable heaters. As a business, we have a strong focus on energy efficiency and the ability to design completely bespoke solutions. Aqua are proud recipients of a Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation. We offer national, 24/7 support to a wide range of industry sectors which involves maintaining, servicing, installing and commissioning process cooling systems and industrial refrigeration equipment.
We are looking to recruit an Apprentice to join our Southern Team in September 2026. The successful candidate will commence a qualification in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning in September 2026 on day release.
Role Overview:
Our network of engineers is field based, reporting directly to a Regional Service Manager and supported by a dedicated service team at our head office. This is a hands-on, customer-facing role with a focus on delivering high-quality service and support.
Key Responsibilities:
- Installation, servicing, and preventative maintenance of our specialist equipment
- Responding promptly to client call-outs for breakdowns and repairs
- Installation and commissioning of new systems
- Accurate and timely completion of all required documentation
- Attending college or training as part of a formal qualification to support your career development
The Ideal Candidate Will Demonstrate:
- A positive, can-do attitude with a “first fix” mentality and a strong focus on delivering a first-class customer experience
- A full, clean driving licence (or actively working towards obtaining one)
- The ability to work independently and travel to customer sites as required
How the Apprenticeship scheme works:
- Enrolled onto a 3-year Refrigeration & Air Conditioning course at your nearest available college
- Attend college 1 day a week. 4 days you will work alongside qualified engineers
- Gain experience on all ranges of cooling equipment to build confidence and experience throughout the apprenticeship
- Training days at office on specialist equipment to broaden trade knowledge
- Develop into competent Engineer and get Level 3 NVQ in Refrigeration & Air Conditioning qualification (including F-GAS)
- Attend call out and PPM’s once gained experience
- Work closely with Senior Engineer for support throughout Apprenticeship
Benefits:
- 25 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays, with annual leave entitlement increasing with length of service
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay after 1 year’s service
- Company sick pay, with enhanced entitlement based on length of service
- Long service awards
- Private medical cover after 2 years’ service
- Enhanced pension contributions after 2 years’ service (Aqua contributes 8%, employee contributes 1%)
- Gym membership contribution of up to £100 per year
- Access to Perkbox, our employee benefits and discounts portal
- Employee Referral Bonus Scheme
- Cycle to Work salary sacrifice scheme
- Discounted legal advice covering matters such as moving house, divorce, bereavement, and personal injury
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Paid ‘door to door’
- Permanent contract
- 8 hours workday (overtime paid at time and a half after regular hours)
- Double time on Sundays
- Free breakfast when leaving home before 7am (in agreement with line manager)
Employment Type:
Full-time (40 hours a week), overtime paid at time and a half after regular hours and double time on Sundays. Fixed term contract for duration of Apprenticeship.
At Aqua, we have the opportunity to create real, tangible positive impact for our customers and their business, for their customers and for the environment. We take our role in that seriously and are committed to doing good. We know everything about temperature control but our customers know their business better than us. When we work together internally and in partnership with customers to design solutions, success is guaranteed. It is true that power lies in partnerships.
Apprentice Service Engineers in Southampton employer: Aqua Cooling Solutions
Aqua Cooling Solutions is an exceptional employer that values detail-oriented individuals in the Operations Administrator role at our Chandlers Ford Head Office. We foster a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being with generous benefits such as 25 days of holiday, private medical cover, and enhanced pension contributions, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Service Engineers in Southampton
✨Get Hands-On Experience
If you’re looking to break into the skilled trades, seek out volunteer opportunities or part-time gigs that let you flex your hands-on skills. Local community projects or workshops can give you some valuable experience and show potential employers your commitment and passion for the trade!
✨Join Trade Associations
Diving into local trade associations is a great way to connect with professionals in your field. These organisations often host events, training sessions, and networking opportunities that can put you right in front of hiring companies—who knows, you might even bump into someone from Aqua Cooling Solutions!
✨Leverage Your Connections
Talk to friends, family, and acquaintances about your apprenticeship search. Sometimes, the best gigs come from word-of-mouth referrals. Let everyone know you’re on the hunt; you’d be surprised at who might have a contact in the industry!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Make sure to check out Aqua Cooling Solutions's career page for the latest apprenticeship openings. We always have various roles available, and applying directly through our site can help you stand out as a candidate eager to start learning and working with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Service Engineers in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:In skilled trades, your hands-on abilities say a lot. Be sure to highlight any relevant experience you've had—whether that's in school, past jobs, or personal projects. If you've got a knack for a certain technique or trade, make it shine on your CV!
Certifications Count!:If you’ve got any relevant certifications or training, don’t hesitate to showcase them. Details like your health and safety qualifications or any specific trade courses you've completed can set you apart from the competition. Just make sure they’re super clear and easy to find on your application!
Express Your Enthusiasm:For an apprenticeship, your motivation is key. Use your cover letter to explain why you’re eager to learn and grow in your chosen trade. Talk about what excites you about the industry and how working at Aqua Cooling Solutions can help you achieve your goals.
Tailor Your Application for Aqua Cooling Solutions:When you’re applying, make sure to personalise your application for Aqua Cooling Solutions. Do a bit of research on the company’s values and goals in skilled trades, and mention how your aspirations and values align with theirs. This shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely keen on joining their team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aqua Cooling Solutions
✨Show Off Your Hands-On Skills
As we're diving into the skilled trades for your apprenticeship, make sure you highlight any practical experience you’ve had. Whether you’ve done DIY projects or worked with tools before, let them know how comfortable you are getting your hands dirty and solving real-world problems.
✨Be Ready for Practical Assessments
Expect a hands-on assessment during the interview or as part of your apprenticeship application. You might be asked to demonstrate a specific skill or technique relevant to the trade—so brush up on your practical skills and come prepared to showcase what you’ve got!
✨Learn About the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with the common tools and equipment used in your trade before the interview. They might ask about your experience with certain tools or methods, so having a basic understanding and mentioning any tools you’ve used can really set you apart.
✨Express Your Willingness to Learn
As an apprentice, showing your eagerness to learn is crucial! Talk about your motivation for joining the industry and any steps you've taken to educate yourself, like online resources or workshops, to demonstrate you’re ready to grow with the company.
