new engineer looking for advice

[sam_b]

hello all, firstly i would like to introduce myself as im new here,
im currently studying a refrigeration apprentership level 2 specialising in transport refrigeration, i have currently got 2-3 years experience and have worked on systems such as carrier neos, GAH rapier, Alex original (all models) and bigger systems like eutectic systems. This is just to name a few.

i am due to finish my apprentership soon and i want to progress onto level 3. my problem is that that to get onto this course i need to work on systems over 13kw and above and my company cant offer me that, so im going to have to move on.

I know that there are not many transport systems that are over 13kw maybe just carrier vector units? (may be more but my knowledge is a bit limited) so im after some advice or any leads of any companies that are willing to take on an apprentice so i can do my level 3. i have got good connections with VMS refrigeration and Morris refrigeration but they are unable to help me out.

any advice or help will be gratefully appreciated. and apologies if i have posted this in the wrong section.

thanks, Sam

[monkey spanners]

Would be a shame to leave a company if you are happy there.

How much work do you need to do on 13kw (13kw input or cooling?) duty systems? Where abouts in the country are you?

Just wondering if spending a few days or a week on a busmans holiday would be enough.

[Rob White]

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I agree with MS, it would be a shame to have to leave if you are happy.

As for evidence it does not have to be all over 13kw it also has to include complex
systems such as dual temps, multiple evaporators, compressors and controls.

If your company has put you through this far have a word with them and ask
if you can do a placement with somebody.

In transport refrigeration you get to travel to distribution centers and they
have engineers on site who would let you do the odd day or two to gain some
experience.

Talk to your company because I'm sure they would want to help you find
this rather than lose you?

Regards

Rob

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[sam_b]

thanks for the replies guys, i haven't actually read into the details but as rob said im sure it has to include other areas than just a system being over 13kw. i have asked my boss and he dosnt have many contacts with companies that deal with bigger systems than us but they are being helpful by allowing me to go and increase my knowledge on a higher level course if i can get a placement.
unfortunately i am an instillation engineer so i am kept in one place rather than go from sight to sight so going to a distribution centre would be out of the question.
i surpose my other option is to branch out into other areas, weather it be aircon or big cold stores, although i would like to stay in transport. Im at a bit off a loose end really as there are not many breaks for a young engineer in this industry.

Sam

[monkey spanners]

We look after a few larger systems, 2 and 3 pipe vrf's, 2 compressor pack running a ice builder and a high temp cooler, freezer with a couple of fifteen hp comps.
I have had another companies apprentice work with me for a few days to get some experience working on bigger stuff to help with their courses. Would be happy to help you out but not sure what the exact requirements of equipment worked on etc is for nvq3.

[PaulZ]

Hi Sam
Don't be scared of going into another field you never know you might enjoy it better the the transport field.
I know when I first started it was on industrial in a small chicken abattoir, left there to go to commercial / domestic and learned a lot but ended up going back to industrial / heavy commercial and have been there since.
I always think the more experience you have in different fields the easier it is to find another job if you have to.
Good luck with your decision.
Paul

[Rob White]

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Sam where are you doing the course?

Which course are you doing ( EAL, City & Guilds or other?)

And finally what part of England are you in?

If I was you I would accept Monkey Spanners offer even if
you have to drive a fair distance to meet up with him.

I take it you are inquiring for the next years course starting
in September? So you have plenty of prep time to do this.

Regards

Rob

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[sam_b]

Hi rob, at the moment I'm doing refrigeration level 2 city and guilds at north west Kent college. I have still got my second year to go but I'm one for being prepared and like to get everything sorted in time. I'm due to finish my course a few months early as I'm quite ahead aswell. I live in East Sussex and monkey spanners; thank you very much for your offer I will talk to my boss and see what he thinks, but I am unsure if I will need to be employed by a company or can just go with you for a few weeks and get all my evidence done. As the way the course works at the moment the college comes out and does onsite assessments as well as my own portfolio work.

[Rob White]

Hi rob, at the moment I'm doing refrigeration level 2 city and guilds at north west Kent college. I have still got my second year to go but I'm one for being prepared and like to get everything sorted in time. I'm due to finish my course a few months early as I'm quite ahead aswell. I live in East Sussex and monkey spanners; thank you very much for your offer I will talk to my boss and see what he thinks, but I am unsure if I will need to be employed by a company or can just go with you for a few weeks and get all my evidence done. As the way the course works at the moment the college comes out and does onsite assessments as well as my own portfolio work.

Sam evidence is evidence and it does not matter where you get it from.

What is important is proving the work was done, so photos, witness signatures,
documents from sites worked, customers testimonial, copies of job sheets, copies
of sales invoices, copies of signing in sheets, copies of risk assessments, permits to
work, basically if it isn't bolted down get it as evidence :D

Regards

Rob

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