What Makes a Great Apprentice

What makes a great apprentice? Interest.

A kid that wants to learn will always be taught. So, at Coolphase we teach. We take kids that have a love for electrical and turn them into craftsman. In short, here are the attributes we look for, and how you can succeed.

 

Great questions. When I started my apprenticeship the boss drilled into me, “An apprentice is only as good as the questions he asks”. So, I instantly thought I was a bad apprentice; I didn’t ask anything. But as I was to learn, there is a grace period. The more you experience you gain the more questions you can ask. And if you show interest you will be fine. Questions represent enthusiasm.

 

“I believe questions are better than answers” Jim Collins

 

Attention to detail. At Coolphase we train craftsmen not just tradesmen. In particular we like our people to take pride in what you can’t see. When we train apprentices, we expect every job no matter how small, to be done right. From a piece of cable tray to a span of conduit, everything should be done with a high degree of personal satisfaction. Be proud of what you do.

 

Honesty, patience and resilience. Being an apprentice can be tough. In most cases a young person will start their trade fresh out of school. In year 11 or 12 you are nearing the top of the tree, you have friends, knowledge and respect. But bam! Now you’re a first year. Our society has changed a little over the last 40 years and apprentice hazing is a thing of the past. However, starting at the bottom can be a real shock to your self-esteem. So, be honest about what you’re going through. Be patient and most of all be resilient, you will get there.

 

Work ethic. As with anything in life if you work hard people will appreciate you. So, put in the effort and do what you can. The worst thing you can do as an apprentice is to stand around with your hands in your pockets or scroll endlessly through your mobile phone.

 

Apprentices are so important for the future of all industries. Live to learn. 

Coolphase Electrical Services

Coolphase Electrical Services, our commercial refrigeration electrical team is practical, professional and perfect!

This week we celebrated the individuality of one of the most important parts of Coolphase, our commercial refrigeration electrical team. Finally Coolphase Electrical Services, has officially formed its own identity. Ultimately by being practical, professional and committed to craftsmanship, our electrical team now stands proudly on its own three phases.

Our electrical company is lead by Wayne Watson. Wayne’s reputation is synonymous with greatness within the refrigeration electrical industry. Therefore his knowledge and experience has given him a great platform to build an excellent electrical group. Consequently it’s group full of enthusiastic young tradesmen. Our whole electrical team embodies Wayne’s spirit and by taking pride in their work. And they embrace every new challenge with a “we can do anything” attitude.

Our services include, but are not limited to: Refrigeration Electrical Installations, Refrigeration Electrical Breakdown Services and HVAC (air conditioning) Electrical Installations.

As with everything Coolphase, apprentices are at our core. As a result we employ apprentices across every year level. So, this not only ensures our depth of talent going forward, but also provides stability for the refrigeration electrical industry. As can be seen, we are proud of our young people, we are proud of their commitment and mounting achievements.

Coolphase Electrical Services has been a long time in the making. There’s been hard times and exciting times, but now it’s time to shine. We want to continue our growth and share our world of talent with you.

Next Generation of Electrical Craftsmen

When I first started Coolphase’s electrical department, Dale encouraged me to employ at least one apprentice every year. In so, confirming our commitment to the refrigeration electrical trade. And showing the confidence we have in the next generation of tradesmen. This belief is so ingrained in the Coolphase culture that we constantly employ apprentices across all of our trades.

Coolphase trains apprentices that are second to none. We know giving apprentices responsibility and supervising them with skilled tradesmen is key to this. First year electrical apprentices that run cable tray, pull in cables as well as wire and connect refrigeration cases and racks (with supervision) is the norm at Coolphase.

Throughout their apprenticeship I keep tabs on the electrical apprentices to see how their progress is going. When they are in the workshop I often bring them up to my office for training. More importantly, I like to make sure they understand why they do the things that they are taught on site.

The aim is to produce tradesmen as knowledgeable and as proficient as the craftsmen we already employ.

I think this ethos is succeeding as Mitcham actually ran the electrical installation of a new Coles supermarket within a year of finishing his apprenticeship. Olly, who completed his electrical apprenticeship earlier this year, will have this opportunity to excel in the near future as he will be leading another supermarket electrical installation. Jake who completed his apprenticeship a few months ago also has just started to control small installations.

I also look forward to seeing Rhys, Josh, Bec and Bill continue to learn their trade and become tradesmen that are equal to the other craftsmen Coolphase already employs. I personally take great pride in the quality of apprentices that this company produces.

next generation electrical tradesmen 600x550 1
electricians australia refrigeration 600x550 1
electrical trade apprentice 600x550 1
electrical apprentice 1 600x550 1
apprentice electrician josh 600x550 1

APPRENTICESHIP APPLICATION

  • Drop files here or
    Max. file size: 128 MB, Max. files: 10.

    Choosing Refrigeration and Air Conditioning as a Career

    What We Do:

    As an integral part of the community Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC&R) technicians service, maintain and install all types of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. A refrigeration technician’s biggest contribution is to food preservation; ensuring the integrity of what we all eat; and the main focus for an air conditioning specialist, is to keep air in controlled environments cool, warm and clean.

    HVAC&R technicians also make a great commitment to the environment, through using energy efficient technology, great “codes of practice”, natural refrigerants, and by saving the world “one gas leak at a time!”

    Skills Involved:

    The refrigeration and air conditioning trade combines various disciplines into one specialised field. A four-year apprenticeship sees you completing similar tasks to an electrician or a plumber, but, will add in a touch of mathematics, science and physics to spark your interest.

    Work Anywhere in the World:

    As a qualified refrigeration and air conditioning technician, you will be in demand where ever you go. Australian technicians are some of the best-trained in the world, we are diverse, versatile and resilient, throw in our great sense of humour and “Banff, Alberta” here we come!

    Future Prospects:

    Great technicians looking for more can complete additional studies and move into the areas of drafting, engineering, consultancy or project management. Young entrepreneurs can even start their own business and in time create the same opportunities given to them by offering new apprenticeships to the next batch of future fridgies.

    The refrigeration and air conditioning industry is full of great people and can be fantastically rewarding, once you start, you’ll never look back. Take pride in your work, make steps every day to complete your trade, enjoy your journey and endeavour to become an “awesome craftsman”.

    • Drop files here or
      Max. file size: 128 MB, Max. files: 10.

      The Importance of Apprentice Training

      Refrigeration Apprenticeship 900x600 1
      apprenticeships coolphase 900x600 1
      sweep the floor electrical apprentice 900x600 1
      apprentice electrician josh 900x600 1
      Refrigeration Mechanic 900x600 1
      Peter Coolphase Refrigeration Apprentice 900x600 1
      refrigeration apprenticeships 900x600 1

      Craftsmanship, skill, knowledge; all important traits of an industry professional. The journey to become a “tradesman”, a word used not too often in today’s society, begins with an apprenticeship. Importantly the essential training provided to an apprentice both onsite and theoretical is crucial to sustain longevity and quality of service.

      According to the ABS from May 2011 to May 2017 there has been a decline in Australian trainees and apprentices by 19%. Unbelievably that’s an amazing 41,100 people! While a lot of this can be attributed to industries changing from manufacturing to service. In contrast much of the decline is also driven by greed and the push to maximise profits.

      Nonetheless, there is a common misconception that no-one wants to be an apprentice. And I find statements like “kids don’t want to do trades anymore” unsubstantiated. For example whenever we post positions for new apprentices, we are inundated with applicants. In fact in most instances now, we don’t advertise, word of mouth is all we need.

       

      Important for Our Future

       

      Training an apprentice is crucial for the sustainability of specific industries and continued retention of trade based knowledge. So, a significant drop in industry professionals will see an accelerated increase in charge out rates. Additionally it could ultimately have an affect on the growth of our economy. It is extremely important that our workforce, individual industries and customers fight to maintain strength in know how and in numbers. Therfore, organisations need to do more to support apprentices and trainees.

      The “Win, Win, Win” philosophy showcased in Stephen R. Covey’s famed “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” can be practically demonstrated through the employment of apprentices. Win 1; employment and opportunity is provided to someone in need. Win 2, an organisation attains a valuable and enduring resource. Win 3, customers are provided with service, support and security. This basic and complete cycle supplies a fantastic future for any employee, business or customer.

      We all need to better understand the benefits of employing trainees. There are people out there that want opportunities, it is our responsibility to ensure they have them.

       

      Data provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics

      In May 2011, there were 226,500 people aged 15-64 years who were employed as apprentices or trainees and part of the Australian Apprenticeship Scheme. Of these, 108,000 people (48%) had commenced their apprenticeship or traineeship in the last 12 months. In 2011, the majority of apprentices or trainees (79%) were males. The highest number of apprentices and trainees, 60,300, were working within the Construction field of trade.

      In May 2017, there were 185,400 people aged 15 to 64 years who were employed as apprentices or trainees and were part of the Australian Apprenticeship Scheme. Of these, 81,100 people (44%) had commenced their apprenticeship or traineeship in the last 12 months. The majority of apprentices or trainees were male (83%). As in previous years, construction was the most common industry for apprentices and trainees, with 41% employed in this industry.

      APPRENTICESHIP APPLICATION

      • Drop files here or
        Max. file size: 128 MB, Max. files: 10.