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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn and work on heavy-duty heating and cooling systems with expert engineers.
- Company: Join the UK's largest independent industrial refrigeration engineering company.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn, with salary increases every six months and career progression.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and valuable skills for a rewarding engineering career.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths (grades 4-9) required; relevant experience is a plus.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with mentorship and opportunities for further education.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 £ per month.
Apprentices will combine academic learning with on-site work-based learning from our experienced engineering teams. The apprenticeships last between 3 and 4 years and successful apprentices will be offered permanent employment as Refrigeration Engineers with progression opportunities through our engineer grading system.
Responsibilities
- Service, maintenance and installation of heavy-duty heating and cooling systems and components
- Health and Safety and environmental legislation and working practices
- Fault diagnosis and rectification through root cause analysis
- Safe handling of refrigerants (including ammonia and CO2)
- Electrical systems
- Communication and customer care
You will be assigned a personal mentor and start by shadowing our experienced engineers on site, gaining hands-on experience and expanding your skill set from day one. Our training team will keep in touch with regular catch-ups to support your development. You will study in day or block release periods at college alongside apprentices from other companies and industries. After completing your apprenticeship, you can continue to progress through Star's engineer development pathway with salary increases along the way. Some of our engineers have gone on to become service and maintenance managers, regional managers or even directors. You will also have transferable engineering skills that can be valuable to other departments, such as sales or design, should you wish to try something different. A number of our engineers have also gone on to study at degree level. The possibilities are endless!
Qualifications
- GCSE in English (grade 4–9)
- GCSE in Maths (grade 4–9)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical thinking
- Team working
- Initiative
- Patience
- Physical fitness
Company
Star Refrigeration is the UK's largest independent industrial refrigeration engineering company, founded in 1970, working with customers from design to commissioning and maintenance, supported by a nationwide branch structure. The company is comprised of six business units and currently has around 400 employees throughout the group. We are an Investors in People Platinum and Investors in Young People Gold accredited employer and recognise the important role our employees play in our success which is why they are at the heart of everything we do. We aim to support and encourage our employees to pursue their interests and provide development opportunities to ensure they have rewarding and fulfilling careers.
Salary & Benefits
£16,260 a year (minimum wage) with salary increases in 6 monthly increments throughout the apprenticeship, reaching £31,152 upon graduation.
Job Details
- Training course: Maintenance and operations engineering technician (level 3)
- Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm and Friday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm (39 hours a week)
- Start date: Monday 1 June 2026
- Duration: 3 years
Star Refrigeration - Industrial Refrigeration Engineering Apprenticeship in Reading employer: The Star
Contact Detail:
The Star Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Star Refrigeration - Industrial Refrigeration Engineering Apprenticeship in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Star Refrigeration and understand their values, projects, and culture. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to engineering and customer care. Think about your problem-solving skills and how you can demonstrate them with real-life examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows good manners and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Star Refrigeration - Industrial Refrigeration Engineering Apprenticeship in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering: When you're writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for engineering! Share any relevant experiences or projects that sparked your interest in refrigeration and how you see yourself growing in this field.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight the skills and qualifications mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for, so don’t hold back on showcasing your strengths!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Star Refrigeration.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Star
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the basics of industrial refrigeration and the specific systems you'll be working with. Familiarise yourself with terms like 'fault diagnosis' and 'refrigerants' so you can speak confidently about them during the interview.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Highlight your communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Think of examples from school or any previous work experience where you've demonstrated these abilities. This will show that you're not just a good fit academically but also practically.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers. Inquire about the mentorship process or what a typical day looks like for an apprentice. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if it's the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
While it’s important to be professional, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. Star Refrigeration values team players, so showing your enthusiasm and willingness to learn can make a great impression.
