HVAC Engineering Apprentice Review
at First In Service Limited
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Birmingham
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I am an HVAC engineering apprentice. My main role includes servicing and maintaining air-conditioning and kitchen ventilation systems across multiple contracts. The maintenance work I do helps the units run efficiently and reduces future faults. I attend daily call-outs to diagnose and repair units. I assist other engineers with installs, such as drilling for bracket installations and providing tools.
I am part of the on-call rota. This includes responding to emergency call-outs to get a site back to trading.
I also attend college for one week every five weeks, where I am studying for a Level 3 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning qualification.
I am part of the on-call rota. This includes responding to emergency call-outs to get a site back to trading.
I also attend college for one week every five weeks, where I am studying for a Level 3 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning qualification.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy both my job role and the apprenticeship course. I have gained so much knowledge and experience during the time I’ve been working at First in Service, especially from the engineers I work with. One of the aspects I like is the variety. I travel to different locations throughout the country, so no two days are the same. I enjoy going to college as I learn new things from my tutors, and it gives me an understanding on things I may not come across at work.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed both new and existing skills. Being able to use the knowledge I’ve learned through my course and from other engineers has helped my confidence when working independently. I’ve completed additional training including PASMA certification and getting my CSCS card, which have both developed my understanding of health and safety whilst on site and the safe assembly of mobile access towers. My daily job role has improved my professional communication skills, so I’m able to clearly explain what works we’ve carried out. Being in college has helped me gain English and Maths skills and qualifications which will help me complete my course.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
My college course is very well organised. Our tutor clearly guides us though the practical work and theory topics. They ensure all the topics are explained well until we understand. This has been beneficial as I approach my End Point Assessment.
My daily job role is very well structured. My weekly schedule is planned and explained, so it makes my working time really efficient
My daily job role is very well structured. My weekly schedule is planned and explained, so it makes my working time really efficient
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a lot of support from my employer. When I have needed additional training in college, I’ve been supported to do so. This has positively helped my development in college.
I also receive a lot of support and guidance from my employer and the engineers I work with. They all point me in the right direction.
I also receive a lot of support and guidance from my employer and the engineers I work with. They all point me in the right direction.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive a lot of support from the tutors. They are helpful and explain topics in detail so don’t lose focus. They also give me the flexibility to attend college earlier or stay later so I can practice and revise for End Point Assessment.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My qualification has positively helped me when I am on sites diagnosing faults with units. Most of my knowledge that I apply at work have been taught from my tutor. My tutor has also offered advice if I ever need it and am unable to reach an engineer. He has been really helpful in the past.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There are a few different activities we can get involved with. I often attend football matches with the engineers I work with and spend time with them. This has helped our working relationships. I am also taking part in the charity 5 a side football event to raise money for Birmingham Children's Hospital
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend First In Service Limited to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend working here because it's a very friendly and supportive environment. The company offers different training options and helps you progress in your career. I work with a lot of highly skilled engineers which has helped my own skills and created a good learning environment. The company is also very understanding and accommodating when it comes to personal matters, and support is offered where needed.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to First In Service Limited?
My advice would be to showcase your skills with confidence. The company values people who are willing to contribute and make a difference to the business. Being open to new challenges and developing your skills will help you grow within your role. It’s also important to be kind and positive. The office team and engineers work better together when there’s teamwork and communication.
