What I do

I service, maintain and install commercial refrigeration equipment. This can range from large industrial equipment to small air conditioning units – there’s a real variety.

Hear more about Sam's role by watching the video below...

How I became a technician

I was interested in engineering from a young age and always preferred the more practical GCSE lessons. I went on to college to study a BTEC in Engineering, but it wasn’t as hands-on as I’d hoped.

My dad was a Sales Technician and suggested I might like working at Star Refrigeration. After four weeks work experience, I was offered a four-year apprenticeship, which I have completed and I’m now a fully qualified Refrigeration Technician.

A typical day in my
working life

At the start of the day, I sign in at the site and speak to the customer I’ll be working for that day. I get my tools and equipment and then get going on the job. If another job comes in that needs to be prioritised - for example, a fault on a main refrigeration site - then I’ll switch to work on that instead.

A job might last days or just a morning and as soon as I’m done, I move on to the next. After I’ve completed a job, I have to complete a report and speak to the customer to let them know what work I’ve done, and then get it signed off.

I love the variety of working on different sites with different equipment.

I’ve worked on chill stores and cool stores the size of football pitches.

A surprising fact about my job

Some of the equipment I’ve worked on is huge! I’ve worked on chill stores and cool stores the size of football pitches.

A little more about
my everyday role

What I love most about my job

I love the variety of working on different sites with different equipment. It makes the job really interesting. We have worked on large ice rinks – we install and maintain them. That’s really interesting.

The best bits about working in a team

It is nice to work alongside other engineers who have a similar mindset. I’ve never worked alone during my apprenticeship and have built nice friendships along the way.

The most exciting thing I’ve achieved so far in my job

Being awarded the Air Conditioning Refrigeration (ACR) Trainee of the Year award in 2017. I was also awarded Refrigeration Air Conditioning (RAC) Cooling Student of the Year and was able to compete in the WorldSkills SkillFRIDGE competition, where I won the bronze medal. I have my work, apprenticeship and training to thank for access to these sorts of opportunities.

The next steps in my career journey

I’m currently in the middle of completing my Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Building Services – I asked the company if I could study this after my apprenticeship. I’ve completed my first year and should finish next May. It’s the equivalent of Level 4, which is one stage below a degree. I then hope to progress to become a Senior Technician and potentially move on to a more senior role in design.

Sam Gills working on refrigeration equipment

Find out more about this role

Discover what qualifications you’ll need, how much you can earn, and what the next steps are.

Nine apprentices sitting on sofas socialising

Meet other technicians

Read more real life technicians stories, see what they do every day, and how they got started.