A joint initiative with Bath College has enabled students to complete a 5-month work placement with Bristol-based firm Space Engineering Services to gain hands-on experience to support their studies.
Students Daniel Flint, Daniel Pride, William Duffy, James Dyer and Kamil Danilowicz are studying for the Level 2 VRQ Diploma in Refrigeration/Air Conditioning Equipment Engineering Technology at the college.
The placement at Space Engineering Services means they can gain a greater understanding of one of the many career paths they could follow in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry once they are fully qualified.
Now part of a diverse team at the dedicated refrigeration system manufacturing facility in north Bristol, the five students are building on their existing skills they’ve learnt as part of their studies, with ample opportunity to develop their brazing, electrical, insulation, pressure testing and commissioning capabilities.
Through hands-on experience in a real working environment, the trainees will develop the required skills to move into the next phase of their professional development, which could be the Level 3 Diploma in Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Systems.
Space Engineering Services manufacturers an average of 20 refrigeration systems per month at the site in Bristol, many of which are customised to meet customers’ particular requirements.
The students can see how customer specifications are interpreted in the production environment by the firm, whose customer base includes retailers, industrial businesses and public sector organisations.
Tony Mills, Plant Director at Space Engineering Services, is an avid supporter of the company’s commitment to the next generation of refrigeration professionals. He said: “It’s vital that we offer opportunities for new talent to join our growing business.
“We have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm shown by the trainees, their commitment to the work, and how much they have developed in such a short space of time. It’s great to see their genuine interest in manufacturing and desire to progress in the refrigeration and engineering sector.”
The Bath College students have benefited in a number of ways from the placement. Will Duffy said: “It’s great to interact with others in a professional environment so I know what to expect in the future. Although I could already braze, I can see how much I have improved in both quality and speed since being here.”
“I’ve learnt to wire compressors during to my placement here at Space Engineering Services” said James Dyer.
The experience has been a real eye-opener for Dan Flint, who said: “Not only has my understanding of refrigeration packs grown, working in a live production environment has also made me much more aware of potential hazards and the importance of health and safety.
Tony added: “We have worked in partnership with Bath College on a number of initiatives and we’re really pleased to continue to work collaboratively with them on what will be an invaluable career stepping stone for these young men.”
The students will be working for Space Engineering Services for the final 5 months of their course, between January and May this year.
