Ethan Aubert: Apprentice to Junior Service Engineer

Ethan Aubert recently completed his NVQ Level 3 in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning through the Daikin apprenticeship program, officially becoming a Junior Service Engineer on 31 October 2024.

During his apprenticeship, Ethan gained invaluable technical skills, developed logical thinking, and built strong connections with his team in Bristol. Now, he’s looking forward to tackling more complex jobs, furthering his qualifications, and growing his expertise in the field.

Read on to learn more about Ethan’s journey, the mentors who shaped his path, and his aspirations for the future.

I’ve been fortunate to work closely with my mentor and my work pal, Louis Bullock, who’s taught me so much.
I’ve gone from a complete beginner to a Level 3 qualified technician.
Over the past three years, every single team member has been incredibly supportive.

Tell us about your apprenticeship

The main reason I chose this path was my strong interest in getting into a skilled trade and my love of a challenge. I wanted a role that would push me to keep learning and growing, and the technical nature of this field fits that perfectly.

Who were your key mentors?

Throughout my apprenticeship, I’ve been fortunate to work closely with my mentor and my work pal, Louis Bullock, who’s taught me so much - from troubleshooting techniques to hands-on technical skills. Our team in Bristol has been incredible as well; we have a group of highly skilled engineers and colleagues who have been not just mentors but true friends I can count on.

How do you feel you’ve grown, both professionally and personally?

When I began, I knew absolutely nothing about the trade, but I’ve gone from a complete beginner to a Level 3 qualified technician. Although I still have a lot to learn, I can tackle jobs with much more confidence, and the apprenticeship has built my skills as well as my self-assurance on the job.

What’s one skill that you've gained?

One of the biggest skills I’ve developed is logical thinking, which is essential in this field. Every system we work on has a unique set of problems, and the ability to break down issues systematically has made a huge difference in how I approach each job. I’m excited to use and improve this skill in my future work.

How has the team culture shaped your experience?

My team has been fantastic. Most of them started in the same position I did, so there’s a great understanding of what it’s like to be new in this field. Over the past three years, every single team member has been incredibly supportive, helping me grow and guiding me whenever I needed it.

What are you looking forward to now that you're fully qualified?

My next big goal is to earn a Level 4 qualification in mechanical engineering. I’m excited to deepen my technical knowledge and improve my skill set even further, which will help me handle more complex jobs.

Where do you see yourself in the next few years?

In the next few years, my main goal is to keep learning while also having a good work-life balance. I want to enjoy my time in the industry, grow my expertise, and take on more responsibility without losing sight of the importance of enjoying the work.

What advice would you give to an apprentice just starting out?

My advice to a new apprentice would be, don’t stress if you don’t know something right away. Every skill and bit of knowledge comes with time, and Daikin is a great place to learn and grow. Just keep asking questions and stay curious—before you know it, you’ll be tackling things you once thought were out of reach.

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