Would like to ask a Technician some questions

[Chap]

So I'm going to school and one of our assignments is to ask a refrigerator technician about some things in the field. If anybody is willing to answer some questions I have to ask, please get back to me. Thanks.

[Brian_UK]

That's what we're here for, but please remember that we do like students to think for themselves.

A set college/school question may not be answered directly but we will prompt you for ideas to get you in the right direction.

[Chap]

Yep, without a doubt. The questions mainly focus on the know-hows of the trade and things that an apprentice should expect when starting out. If any one person is up for a few short questions, it would be welcome.

[Magoo]

Hi Chap,
welcome to the forum. Fire away with questions.

[Chap]

- What are some skills and knowledge a new graduate should have?
- What is the working environment like?
- How was your first day on the job?
- What advice would you give to a new graduate? What should they expect?
- What are some of the spoken and unspoken rules of refrigeration, heating and air conditioning?

[Tesla]

Hi Chap
Q - What are some of the spoken and unspoken rules of refrigeration, heating and air conditioning?
A - Earn the respect of the tradesman. Learn this first. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty and do the crap jobs. When a tradesman stops for a phone call or to talk to someone keep working. If you make it easy for the tradie he will make it easier for you. You need to learn the basics and if you don't you could spend all of the apprenticeship just learning the basics like fitting belts, filters and parts.
My goal in training an apprentice is to have him up and running as soon as possible so he can do the basic jobs for me, then I will train to the next level. If I get any cheek or slack attitude - you guessed it you will be just sweeping the floor the next time. If good effort is put in and the task is learnt I will put aside time for training.
Ahh and try to keep your mouth shut in front of customers, this should help keep an apprentice out of trouble.

[PaulZ]

Hi Chap
I agree with what Tesla said plus if you have a mobile phone leave it alone or in the van, don't play with it all day. Show an interest in what is being done and ask questions at the appropriate time.
Remember you are learning and until you have gained some knowledge you will be doing the mundane tasks, don't complain.
Most tradesmen are happy to pass on their knowledge only if they think they are being listened to.
The working environment depends on the type of work, type of customer, age of plant and several other variables.
Regards
Paul

[mikeref]

First day on the job? That depends on what size the business is and the area that they specialise in.
As i started with a large mining company, the first day was the same as the following 90 odd days. Stuck in their trade training facility with the other 150 or so first year apprentices. 3 months of induction. ( Hand tools training, making precision objects out of mild steel, filing, mine safety lectures, more filing, twist drill sharpening, tech drawing, first aid training, electrical safety lectures, exams.)...you get the idea.

[glenn1340]

First days on the job? well that was forty two years ago so most of it is a distant memory. But the first year was at college full time, then onto my allocated depot ( I was a mechanical apprentice on the railways on diesel locos). Just be keen to learn,be helpful and be prepared to put up with the age old ticks the tradesmen will play on you "go to the stores and ask for a long weight" "get a bag full of holes" etc. Luckily, working for what was then a nationalised industrythe trainng was very structured and apprentices weren`t allowed tosweep up or make the tea but the older guys could still make life dillicult if you were lazy or ****y.

In a nutshell then, just be keen and you`ll get far more back in return.

[jonjon]

Learn how to make a decent brew! and you should be able to predict what the engineer will need next to do the job,get used to doing the mundane stuff like fetching and carrying and chopping rod and strut and if you get a good enough engineer to teach you what he knows then you'll be ok

[Chap]

Awesome, I thank you all for your cooperation and I appreciate all of the insight into the industry!

[B G Scott]

Remember the golden rule TWO ears one Mouth keep your relationship with who ever you are working with in that ratio and you will not be far wrong, LISTEN more than you SPEAK.

[John-do]

- What are some skills and knowledge a new graduate should have?
I suppose a basic grasp of physics and mathematics would help... or being quick with google! I came into the trade with no knowledge of it at all, but as long as you are keen to learn and take the initiative when your tradesman is hungover you should be fine!
- What is the working environment like?
The environment is extremely varied in this trade as refrigeration is everywhere. I can spend a morning in a house commissioning a heat pump and having a cup of tea, then the afternoon in a rancid fishing boat being screamed at by the skipper because he's lost his catch. Places like hotel kitchens can be a bit of an eye-opener as well, as we get to see all the crap that doesn't get swept up from behind the cabinets - yum.
- How was your first day on the job?
Long. Very, very long.
- What advice would you give to a new graduate? What should they expect?
Work hard at it. Expect to get your hands dirty, and expect to be in some pretty minging workspaces, but keep at it and try and learn as much as you can from your tradesman. Asking questions and getting stuck in are the best ways to learn. If your tradesman doesn't know the answer to a question, go home and find it yourself and make sure you understand it.
- What are some of the spoken and unspoken rules of refrigeration, heating and air conditioning?
Don't fire Nitrogen up your bum!