17/08/2026
A note from our Director, Andy
One of the things I’m most passionate about as a Director is people — helping them develop, gain confidence and build a career they can be proud of.
That’s why supporting our apprentices is one of the parts of my role I enjoy most.
Our industry needs the next generation.
Across the UK, there are now very few colleges offering dedicated refrigeration and air conditioning courses.
At the same time, our industry relies heavily on the knowledge and experience of skilled engineers. If we want that knowledge to continue, we have a responsibility to invest our time in new talent, share what we’ve learned and give young engineers the opportunity to develop.
At JB Refrigeration, we currently have three apprentices
I’m incredibly proud to introduce: Harry, Sam and Mark.
Mark began his journey at Eastleigh College two years ago. Unfortunately, after completing his first year, the college closed its course, meaning he had to restart again at Portsmouth College. It was a frustrating setback, but Mark has shown real determination and will return for his second year in September.
Sam is working towards his qualifications through attending block-training weeks, alongside weekly Zoom sessions with Chill Air Training Acadmey. Combining practical experience with regular technical support is helping him continually develop his knowledge, skills and confidence.
Harry joined JB this year and is due to start his course in September. We’re looking forward to supporting him as he takes the practical knowledge he has learnt on site into the classroom and further develops his career.
Their routes may be different, but they all have something important in common:
They’re helping to shape the future of refrigeration and air conditioning.
For me, apprenticeships are about much more than training engineers. They’re about supporting people, encouraging them when things don’t go to plan, sharing decades of industry knowledge and giving the next generation a genuine opportunity to succeed.
We often joke at JB about developing the “next generation of Fridge Gods” — but behind the humour is something we take very seriously.
I am proud of the effort Mark, Sam and Harry are putting in, and I’m looking forward to seeing where their hard work takes them.
The future of our industry depends on the people we invest in today.
Andy
Director | JB Refrigeration Ltd
