FEW observers would disagree with the fact that there is a shortage of talented, young engineers entering the air conditioning and refrigeration industry. Despite a diminishing pool of qualified engineers, some companies are reluctant to run apprenticeship schemes, fearing failure. They instead rely on high wages to attract those available in the employment market.
But for those businesses prepared to invest in young people, the rewards are many. Wholesaler HRP is benefiting greatly from taking part in the government-backed apprenticeship scheme, formerly the Modern Apprenticeship, at the company’s workshop in Rougham, Bury St Edmunds.

The scheme is overseen by the work-based learning department at West Suffolk College. HRP’s workshop manager Ian Westlake said “Any fears we had about starting our apprenticeship scheme soon proved to be groundless.

“The college was great at helping us plan the scheme and choosing the best NVQ modules to suit our particular needs. Our workshop specialises in producing dressed condensing units to suit our customers’ requirements which means we have a need for more general engineering and fabrication skills – as well as refrigeration knowledge.”

The first two apprentice technicians employed by HRP, Adam German (20) and Luke Chapman (19), are now in the second year of the scheme and as part of this are close to completing their NVQ Level 2 in general engineering at the college in Bury St Edmunds.

For them the prospect of a career working as an engineer in refrigeration was too good an opportunity to miss.

Luke explains: “After two years at college studying electronics, I looked at various apprenticeships but this job really appealed to me. It’s a growing industry – so many areas of our lives are touched by refrigeration. My job involves breaking down, assembling and modifying new units for customers. I always seem to be doing something different.”

Adam is equally enthusiastic: “I want to do as much as I can within the industry.”

Apprenticeships are important to HRP, as Ian Westlake explained: “Our apprentices are trained on the systems and procedures that we operate within HRP. This means that if they want to progress their career within the company, they are already familiar with different aspects of the business.

“When the lads started their apprenticeships most of the time was spent watching and learning but now they cover everything we do in the workshop. They are each under the direct supervision of a qualified engineer but are at the stage now where they are able to carry out most jobs on their own.”

Adam and Luke have made good progress and their work now reflects this. Ian said “It is varied. They could be fitting standard options to condensing units – like oil separators, additional switches, liquid and suction line components – or building and fitting control panels. It could also mean working on some of the more unusual bits and pieces we do; conversion of units into bespoke specials, one-offs for customers. They also build condensers and are involved in component testing. All of which is completed to the high standards that can only be produced under controlled conditions in a purpose-built workshop.” As part of their learning curve, the apprentices are encouraged to think on their feet. Ian said: “One of the things that we have gained is that we now have two new pairs of eyes. There are one or two instances where we’ve stuck to the same approach we’ve adopted down the years, only for Adam and Luke to come up with new and easier ways of doing the job.”



HRP believes that hours spent raising the bar on a job in the workshop are a good investment, especially if it saves time and money on site. Attempting to meet a customer’s requirements in all weathers on a muddy building site or on top of a building – handicapped by a pressing deadline – is an all too familiar scenario for some engineers. Having a dressed unit with all the extras ready to go can only help relieve that pressure.

The youngsters’ career prospects are good. Ian said: “I think that they have a very bright future in the industry – and I would like to think it will be with HRP. We are a large and successful organisation and there are all sorts of opportunities for talented technicians like Adam and Luke.”

HRP’s workshop apprenticeship scheme began two years’ ago with the view of “seeing how it goes” but now the company is looking to take on more young people when the new college season starts in August.

So what is Ian’s advice to refrigeration companies who ignore the opportunities of taking on apprentices? “You can spend a lot of time looking for experienced, highly-paid staff only to find that they are not suited to the job or have no wish to develop a career with your company. They may have no brand loyalty and leave you at a moment’s notice. The sense of belonging, the apprentices receive from starting at the bottom and growing up with HRP, gives us and them a big advantage.”

HRP Ltd

01359 270888