Trainee Refrigeration Engineer

Student Times; Cullingworth; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-the-job training

Development opportunities

Job summary

Student Times, Bradford-based, is helping a food production business in Cullingworth recruit a Trainee Refrigeration Engineer. This on-the-job training role develops practical skills in maintaining industrial refrigeration equipment within a busy production environment.

No prior refrigeration experience is required; you will be trained and developed for the long term, with a clear pathway into engineering and career growth.

Qualifications

• No refrigeration experience is required; on-the-job training provided.
• A Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in engineering, mechanical maintenance or electrical installation.
• Willingness to learn and develop in industrial refrigeration.

Responsibilities

• Assisting experienced engineers with planned preventive maintenance of refrigeration systems.
• Supporting the maintenance of blast freezers, cooling equipment and related systems.
• Learning how to identify faults, diagnose problems and assist with repairs.
• Carrying out routine checks and inspections to keep equipment safe and efficient.
• Developing understanding of mechanical, electrical and refrigeration components.
• Learning safe working practices and health and safety requirements in a food environment.
• Maintaining accurate records of maintenance activities and equipment checks.
• Supporting the engineering team with general maintenance duties as required.

Job description

Trainee Refrigeration Engineer

Location: Cullingworth, Bradford, West Yorkshire
Salary: Up to £15 per hour, depending on experience
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Training: On-the-job training and development provided

An Opportunity to Build a Career in Engineering

Are you mechanically minded, practical and interested in learning a specialist engineering trade?

Perhaps you're finishing college, have recently completed an engineering qualification, already work in a hands‑on environment or are considering a career change.

We're working with an established food production business in Cullingworth that is looking to invest in a Trainee Refrigeration Engineer.

This is an opportunity for someone with the right attitude, aptitude and willingness to learn to develop valuable skills in industrial refrigeration, working alongside experienced engineers.

You don't need to be an experienced refrigeration engineer. Our client is looking for someone they can train, support and develop for the long term.

The Role

Working within a busy food production environment, you'll learn how to maintain, inspect, troubleshoot and support the operation of industrial refrigeration equipment.

Your responsibilities will develop as your skills and experience grow, with appropriate supervision and training.

Initially, you'll be involved in:

• Assisting experienced engineers with planned preventative maintenance of refrigeration systems.

• Supporting the maintenance of blast freezers, cooling equipment and associated systems.

• Learning how to identify faults, diagnose problems and assist with repairs.

• Carrying out routine checks and inspections to help keep equipment operating safely and efficiently.

• Developing an understanding of mechanical, electrical and refrigeration components.

• Learning safe working practices, including health and safety requirements within a food production environment.

• Maintaining accurate records of maintenance activities and equipment checks.

• Supporting the engineering team with general maintenance duties as required.

About You

We're not looking for someone who knows everything already. We're looking for someone who wants to learn.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Have a genuine interest in engineering, mechanics or understanding how equipment works.

• Enjoy practical, hands‑on work and solving problems.

• Are reliable, enthusiastic and willing to learn from experienced engineers.

• Have good attention to detail and take pride in doing a job properly.

• Understand the importance of working safely.

• Are comfortable working in a busy industrial environment.

• Want to develop your skills and establish a long-term career.

Experience That Could Be Useful

While previous refrigeration experience is not essential, any of the following could be beneficial:

• A Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in engineering, mechanical maintenance or electrical installation.

• Experience in a workshop, garage, manufacturing or maintenance environment.

• Mechanical or electrical aptitude developed through education, employment or personal projects.

• Previous hands‑on technical experience, including from the Armed Forces.

These are advantages, not essential requirements. Candidates from different backgrounds who can demonstrate practical ability and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.

What the Opportunity Offers

• Pay of up to £15 per hour, depending on experience.

• Practical training alongside experienced engineers.

• The opportunity to develop specialist industrial refrigeration skills.

• Experience working with refrigeration systems used within food manufacturing.

• Long-term career development within an established business.

• A supportive environment where attitude, reliability and a willingness to learn are valued.