At Ultra, nurturing talent is more than just a policy—it’s a culture that has helped the company develop a strong workforce. Ultra’s apprenticeship programme plays a crucial role in this, guiding apprentices from their early steps in the industry through to becoming experts in refrigeration engineering.
In this blog, we explore the journey of Finn Bayliss, who began as an apprentice and has since grown into a key Design Engineering role at Ultra. His story illustrates how Ultra supports its people, helping them develop the skills and confidence to thrive in the field.
Tell us about your journey into refrigeration.
“I started straight after A-levels,” Finn explained. “I didn’t know much about the industry—like most people, I thought refrigeration was mainly about household fridges. But I’ve always been interested in how things work, and I enjoyed subjects like maths, physics and product design in school. When my head of sixth form told me about Ultra’s apprenticeship, I thought it might be a good fit.”
“When I came for the interview and toured the facility, I realised that refrigeration is much more complex than I thought. There’s so much involved: mechanical systems, pipework, electrics, PLC programming, and manufacturing components. I could see that this would be a diverse and challenging field, and it immediately appealed to me.”
Ultra’s reputation in the refrigeration industry was also a key factor.
“Ultra is known for its expertise, and I wanted to be part of a company where I could learn from the best. But what really attracted me was the breadth of the work they do. It’s not just about one area of refrigeration—at Ultra, you get involved in everything, from design to installation, and I was excited by the prospect of learning all of those aspects.”
“I was also drawn to the hands-on nature of the apprenticeship. I wanted to get involved in real projects from the start, and Ultra offered me that chance. It wasn’t just about studying in a classroom—I was immediately working alongside experienced engineers and learning through doing, which was important to me.”
How did Ultra support your training and development?
Ultra combines hands-on learning with formal education, offering a structured pathway for apprentices to develop their skills.
“Shortly after I joined, Ultra enrolled me in a three-year apprenticeship programme, working towards a Level 3 in RACHP. It was block-release, so I spent one week each month at college learning the theoretical side of refrigeration, and the rest of the time I was on-site, applying that knowledge to real projects.”
“Being able to put the theory into practice right away helped me understand the concepts more deeply. And because I was rotated through different departments, I gained exposure to every part of the process—from design to installation and everything in between.”
In addition to formal coursework, Ultra provided a lot of in-house training.
“Experienced engineers have guided me through the more complex aspects of refrigeration, CAD design and programming. I’ve also earned certifications, such as F-gas, which are essential in this field.”
What key skills and knowledge have you gained?
Now a Junior Design Engineer, Finn has developed a wide range of skills.
“One of the most important skills I’ve gained is proficiency with Fusion 360, a 3D modelling package. I use it to design refrigeration units, map out the framework and panels, and make sure all the components fit together. It’s a crucial tool for the design work I do.”
“I’ve also learned how to select components, size systems, and understand the installation process. Now I can confidently choose the right parts and ensure that systems work as intended. My hands-on skills have improved significantly as well, from installing systems to troubleshooting problems on-site.”
Another key area of growth has been my management skills.
“In recent years, I’ve taken on more responsibility for managing projects. This includes organising parts and labour, coordinating with clients, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. It’s taught me how to handle multiple tasks under pressure, and that’s been a huge learning experience.”
What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
“Every day brings a new challenge. Recently, we’ve been working on a bespoke refrigeration system for a building that wasn’t originally designed to accommodate the equipment we needed to install. It’s a constant struggle to make everything fit.”
This project required meticulous planning.
“We modelled everything in precise detail because space was so tight. A small oversight could have delayed the whole project. But by working closely with the team and staying flexible, we made it work. It’s really satisfying to see something I designed on a computer screen come to life in the real world.”
Finn has also taken on additional responsibilities after a colleague left.
“I had to step into project management on top of my usual duties, which was a big challenge. It forced me to improve my time management skills and balance multiple roles, but it has also given me a chance to grow.”
“What I enjoy most about the role is the variety. I get to be involved in everything from the initial design phase to the installation and maintenance of the systems.”
How would you describe the company culture at Ultra?
Ultra’s culture is one of collaboration, trust and growth.
“The company feels like a family. Everyone here has worked their way up from the bottom, and that creates a strong sense of camaraderie. It’s a supportive environment where people look out for each other.”
“There are clear pathways for growth. If you prove yourself capable and ask for more responsibility, Ultra gives you the opportunity to advance, promoting from within. I’ve seen it happen with colleagues, and it motivates me to keep pushing myself.”
What are your future goals within Ultra?
Looking ahead, Finn has ambitious goals.
“My next step would be to transition into a full design engineering role and, eventually, I’d like to lead a team. Ultra is a company that encourages growth, so I’m confident that I can achieve those goals here.”
“I’d also like to help guide newer apprentices through their journey, in the same way as I was supported when I started.”
What advice do you have for aspiring apprentices, in this industry or generally?
Finn’s advice for aspiring apprentices is to be open-minded and take every opportunity to learn.
“Refrigeration is a much broader and more dynamic field than most people realise. At Ultra, we do everything in-house, from design to installation to programming, and that gives you a chance to develop a wide range of skills.”
Finn also stresses the importance of hands-on experience.
“Don’t be afraid to get stuck in. The more practical experience you gain, the better you’ll understand the theory. And in this industry, skilled workers are always in demand, so if you’re willing to put in the effort, you’ll have a rewarding career.”
Finn would definitely recommend the refrigeration industry, and Ultra in particular, to aspiring apprentices. So much so that Finn’s younger brother, Oscar, has recently joined Ultra as an apprentice, following in Finn’s footsteps.
Conclusion
Through a blend of structured training, hands-on learning, and a supportive company culture, Ultra has helped Finn grow from an apprentice into a junior design engineer. Finn’s journey highlights how Ultra is committed to developing its people, providing opportunities for growth, and fostering a work environment where talent can thrive. For anyone considering an apprenticeship in refrigeration, Ultra offers the perfect environment to build a successful and fulfilling career.
We invite aspiring engineers to join us on this journey, to become part of a team that values innovation, commitment, and professional growth. Together, we can ensure that Ultra Refrigeration Ltd continues to set the standard for excellence in the refrigeration industry.
