refrigeration Archives - Page 2 of 2

We usually make it pretty clear that we are proud of our people and the work that they do. This year to coincide with World Refrigeration Day, we are holding our first annual Coolphase Values Awards – “The W’s”. We’ll have a chilled celebration, throw in a few AWESOME miniaturised trophies and recognise the people that best represent who we are.

“The W’s, what the hell are W’s” you say… Yep, our crazy sense of humor is at it again… Being unique in all things that we do, our awards just couldn’t be boring. And this month the photo on the wall award goes to blah, blah, blah… ha-ha, no way! So, the W’s are Wadey, Woody and Warney, all three symbolise our core values of Up-Front, Humble and Craftsman.

The Wadey

The Marvel anti-hero Wade Wilson AKA Dead Pool, is an in your face guy that is brutally honest and extremely up-front. Although we don’t shoot things, we do love honesty and an up-front approach. So, our first W trophy (after countless ebay searches) is a bobble head Dead Pool figurine.

The Woody

After his early days as a jealous and arrogant “I’m Andy’s one and only” toy, Woody transformed into one of the most humble toys in the world. Woody always helps his friends and goes above and beyond to do what’s right. We’ve had many occasions where our guys have gone out of their way to help people in need.

The Warney

It is without question that Shane Warne is the greatest leg spin bowler that the world has ever seen. His bowling was an art form, he was a true craftsman, far superior to other bowlers that were mere skilled technicians. Our best tradesman are proud to be called craftsmen, they always take pride in what you can’t see. Although the motive for this award is great, finding a Warney doll was impossible, time to get creative! One of Warney’s greatest off-field achievements, without a doubt was Liz Hurley, and after a trip to Zing Pop Culture, we walked away with a Vanessa Kensington Pop vinyl figure.

As peer voting winds up this morning on “World Refrigeration Day”, we are proud to say that nearly all of our employees have received votes. It’s great that we all share and live our values and are proud of them!

One of our brilliant young technicians Aaron Wulff recently started up his first Co2 rack. We asked him a few questions about his experience.

Were you nervous?

Definitely! Co2 under the right/wrong conditions can cause a lot of damage, I triple checked my safety setpoints but there’s multiple “what if” scenarios in the back of my mind, the racks come with every ball valve open but some need to be closed for normal operation – figuring out which valves to shut without closing the wrong one. Tight deadline between start up and hand over. But, I was confident enough with my own experience, knowledge and on/off site training with other commissioners/manufacturers.

How did you feel once that first compressor started?

Relieved and proud. Relieved the rack was up, running and was stable for the limited load it had. Proud of myself and my work. Looking back to where I started my trade doing domestic split installs and light commercial HVAC servicing and where I am at now commissioning supermarket refrigeration.

Did you feel you had received adequate training to complete the task?

Yes, Coolphase has organised training days for all technicians. I have been to Sydney twice for Co2 training with both Danfoss and Bitzer, worked alongside other commissioners on new and refit jobs and doing Woolworths after hours breakdown service (fault finding on Co2 racks). It’s also comforting to know help is only ever a phone call away.

We are certainly proud of Aaron! Coming to Coolphase with predominately an air conditioning background, Aaron was quick to embrace the world of commercial refrigeration. That willingness to learn and accept has seen Aaron move through the ranks to now be one of our trusted commissioners. We look forward to watching Aaron’s development for many years to come!

Commercial Refrigeration Installations

Commercial Refrigeration Plant Room

Supermarket Fridge Installations

Commercial Freezer Installations

Transcritical Fridge Installations

Every strategic discussion in our office more often than not, includes a reference to the use of natural refrigerants. We all know that we have an obligation to guide and direct our customers towards what is right. And ensure we can direct them on right thing by our planet and the sustainable future of resources. We are aware that we can’t let our “ego” or the “fear” of something new affect our judgement. Transcritical is not a dirty word.

The Process

To look at embracing natural, we first understood that we needed to change mindsets before we could change behaviors. And now in the midst of that process we have turned our focus to coaching and training.

The Challenge

We definitely see that some of the biggest “natural” challenges in our industry are a lack of training and the willingness of some people to accept something different. At Coolphase, it is our continued focus to train and to prepare our people for what’s to come. Our sector of the industry “Supermarket Refrigeration” has seen a decline in the employment of apprentices; so, the next generation of support will not there when the current ageing collective of fridgies retires. Not an ideal situation when we are about to enter our biggest period of change since the phase out of CFC’s.

And wow, when it comes to difference, there is a huge level of inherent misery and negativity in the Australian refrigeration industry, and the miserable hate change! We need to change minds and perceptions, then we can change behaviors and acceptance, we then need to coach.

The Future

As a contractor completing work for major retailers in Queensland we have been limited by the lack of “transcritical” and “full natural system” acceptance. However, with updates to technology and the continued promotion of all things non-synthetic, that should (hopefully) change soon.

If you’re interested in the changing future of natural refrigerants, join us for ATMOsphere Australia in May. For more information visit their event page.

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.

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”.

sweep the floor electrical apprentice 900x600 1

Peter Coolphase Refrigeration Apprentice 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.