Red Dragon1
10-02-2008, 09:59 PM
Hi,
I have been in the industry for 46 come April. I started in the early 60's, when life was not so hectic, not many large end users giving us grief with SLA's and KPI's.
Refrigerants commonly used in commecial refrigeration then were Methyl Chroride and ***** 12 with a few sulphur systems throw in.
I have seen a change in training tactic, where I was given a thorough grounding in all aspects of the installation and service of refrieration systems, slowly over the years it has become more fragmented with specialisms coming to the fore.
Where as then a sectional cold store and equipment would be delivered to site and two men would complete the erection of the cold store, install the condensing units and evaporators, wire and pipe the same and commission. Now you will have cold store erectors, electricians, pipe fitters and commissioning engineers.
Whilst I am not advocating a rerurn to this method of working, I suppose, I am indicating that back then the training was more rounded and enabled you to understand all the aspects of this wonderful industry of ours.
Today the expectations of both the refrigeration companies and end users revolves around the cost of the service and training. Until the industry realises that it cannot produce grade 1 engineers in a couple of years due to the complexities of the systems designed today. If the companies do not train the industry will always struggle to meet the expectaions of their clients. The Clients have a responsibility too in ensuring that the companies used, are paid sufficient contract values to have robust training plans in place to service their needs well into the future.
I would stress to all new refrigeration engineers starting out in the industry, you have picked a great trade to enter. You will have a trade for life that will enable you to travel the world in the knowledge that you will always be able to get employment. The work will sometimes be difficult and challenging and you will never stop learning.
Good luck to all new refrigeration engineers on the threshold of a new career.I am coming to the end of my career and I would not have changed a minute of it. I have travelled the world and worked in many countries, this not only improved my skills but also broadened my outlook on life.
I have been in the industry for 46 come April. I started in the early 60's, when life was not so hectic, not many large end users giving us grief with SLA's and KPI's.
Refrigerants commonly used in commecial refrigeration then were Methyl Chroride and ***** 12 with a few sulphur systems throw in.
I have seen a change in training tactic, where I was given a thorough grounding in all aspects of the installation and service of refrieration systems, slowly over the years it has become more fragmented with specialisms coming to the fore.
Where as then a sectional cold store and equipment would be delivered to site and two men would complete the erection of the cold store, install the condensing units and evaporators, wire and pipe the same and commission. Now you will have cold store erectors, electricians, pipe fitters and commissioning engineers.
Whilst I am not advocating a rerurn to this method of working, I suppose, I am indicating that back then the training was more rounded and enabled you to understand all the aspects of this wonderful industry of ours.
Today the expectations of both the refrigeration companies and end users revolves around the cost of the service and training. Until the industry realises that it cannot produce grade 1 engineers in a couple of years due to the complexities of the systems designed today. If the companies do not train the industry will always struggle to meet the expectaions of their clients. The Clients have a responsibility too in ensuring that the companies used, are paid sufficient contract values to have robust training plans in place to service their needs well into the future.
I would stress to all new refrigeration engineers starting out in the industry, you have picked a great trade to enter. You will have a trade for life that will enable you to travel the world in the knowledge that you will always be able to get employment. The work will sometimes be difficult and challenging and you will never stop learning.
Good luck to all new refrigeration engineers on the threshold of a new career.I am coming to the end of my career and I would not have changed a minute of it. I have travelled the world and worked in many countries, this not only improved my skills but also broadened my outlook on life.