A trainee refrigeration engineer at South Hampshire College Group has been named as a finalist of the ACR & Heat Pump Trainee of the Year Awards 2024.
Brendon Fry, a Level 3 Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps student at Eastleigh College, part of South Hampshire College Group, has been recognised for his remarkable progress on his course and employment, which has seen him become a fully qualified Service Technician at Trane UK. Despite having no previous industry experience and a different prior career path, Brendon defied the odds to secure a permanent position and a promising future in the sector. This latest success follows a remarkable summer in which he claimed the coveted Adult Student of the Year award at Eastleigh College.
The ACR & Heat Pump Trainee of the Year Awards is one of the marquee events on the calendar in the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning industry. It aims to celebrate the sector’s diversity and spotlight the achievements of emerging engineers. The prestigious ceremony will take place on 5th December at the Leeds Marriott Hotel, with a drinks reception, lunch and awards presentation. Five categories will be featured, each offering gold, silver and bronze accolades, with Brendon contending in the Refrigeration Trainee Engineer category.
Brendon Fry commented: “Being nominated as a finalist for the Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Trainee Of The Year Awards 2024 is an incredible honour, and I’m beyond thrilled! I owe a great deal of my success to the lecturers in the Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump department who have provided the perfect environment for me to transition from the retail sector into a fulfilling and exciting career with Trane Engineering. Every day, I’m grateful for the opportunity to work in an industry I’m passionate about, and this recognition feels like the culmination of a journey I couldn’t have taken without such fantastic support.”
Scott Perry, Refrigeration Lecturer at South Hampshire College Group, said: “As an educator, tutor and trainer, it’s been incredibly rewarding to witness the journey of Brendon Fry from a Co-op Store Manager to now working with Trane Engineering, a globally recognised leader in the Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump industry. What sets Brendon apart is his unwavering passion for learning and his determination to succeed. From day one, he demonstrated an eagerness to not only grasp the technical skills but also deeply understand the science and innovation behind Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps.
Brendon’s transition from managing a store to thriving in a service technician role has been a testament to his hard work and dedication. He took every opportunity in the course to expand his knowledge, often going above and beyond class expectations, whether it was hands-on projects or engaging with industry professionals. It’s no surprise that he has become a finalist for the prestigious Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Trainee Of The Year Awards 2024.
This recognition reflects Brendon’s commitment to excellence, and I am deeply confident he will continue to make significant contributions to the industry. Brendon has shown that with passion, persistence, and a desire to keep learning, remarkable career transformations are possible.”
For more information on the upcoming event, please visit the dedicated awards website here.
