Leading the Way: Tristan Completes Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship

Leading the Way: Tristan Completes Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship

We are delighted to celebrate Tristan, Service Manager at Robson Refrigeration, who has completed his Level 5 Operations Manager apprenticeship, adding to his earlier achievement of gaining a distinction in his Level 3 Team Leader qualification with HBTC.

Tristan’s achievement not only marks a significant personal milestone but also highlights the value of investing in leadership development at every stage of a management career.

From trainee Engineer to Service Manager

Robson Refrigeration recently celebrated 40 years in business and is proud to be one of the longest-standing service partners for Carrier Transicold, the market leader in transport refrigeration.

The company delivers a wide range of services across the transport refrigeration industry, from installing new units to providing 24-hour call-out, servicing, and maintenance for LCVs, rigid trucks, and trailers. Tristan’s own journey with the company began back in 1999 as a trainee refrigeration engineer. He progressed to call-out engineer before being promoted to Service Manager in 2015.

In his current role, he oversees the day-to-day operations of the service department, managing technicians, coordinating installations and service schedules, and acting as a key point of contact for customers. He leads his team to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest possible standard.

Setting a Personal Goal

After moving into management, Tristan recognised the need to build his leadership capability. “Having been promoted from an engineer to a manager, I was aware that as part of my personal development I needed to train and upskill in management,” he explained.

After achieving a distinction in his Level 3 Team Leader apprenticeship, he set himself a new challenge: “I set myself the goal of completing the Level 5 Operations Manager course if I achieved a distinction at Level 3, which I did.”

Growing as a Strategic Leader

The Level 5 apprenticeship provided Tristan with the opportunity to step back from the day-to-day demands of the role and explore management at a more strategic level. Throughout the programme, he developed a deeper understanding of operational planning, financial management, resource allocation and performance management, enabling him to view the wider business landscape with greater clarity.

The course encouraged him to reflect on his own leadership style, challenge existing ways of working and apply evidence-based approaches to decision-making. He enhanced his communication and stakeholder management skills, gained greater confidence in managing change, and strengthened his ability to align team objectives with wider organisational goals.

“The decisions I make at work are now more strategically driven, and I consciously link the day-to-day operations to our broader operational objectives,” he explained.

Although he remains in the same role, Tristan sees the qualification as transformational in how he operates as a manager. “Completing the course has progressed my career by fully equipping me with the skills, confidence and knowledge to operate at a higher level. I now feel proficient and well-positioned to support the company’s growth and future direction for years to come.”

Positive Impact on the Team

The benefits of Tristan’s learning extend beyond his own development.

“My learning has had a positive impact on both my team and Robson Refrigeration,” he explained, highlighting improvements in communication, structure, and accountability. By strengthening his leadership approach and introducing more consistent ways of working, he has supported enhanced performance and long-term sustainable improvement within the organisation.

By introducing clearer processes, strengthening performance discussions, and embedding more consistent management practices, he has supported enhanced team performance and long-term sustainable improvement within the organisation.

A Sustainable Route to Professional Development

Government funding and strong employer support were key factors in making the apprenticeship achievable. “The benefit of government funding and the support of Robson Refrigeration were key factors in my decision,” Tristan shared. “It allowed me to develop professionally without placing financial strain on my family.”

He described the apprenticeship as “the realistic and sustainable choice for upskilling alongside family responsibilities,” enabling him to gain a recognised qualification while maintaining the security of a full-time role.

His Advice to Future Leaders

For anyone considering a management apprenticeship with HBTC, Tristan expresses how “It is an investment in both your career and personal growth.”

He also praised the programme delivery and support: “I really enjoyed the course delivered by HBTC. The content was structured, highly relevant to my role and the support from my Skills Coach, Janice, was fabulous.”

He added that the combined support from HBTC and employers creates “a rewarding experience that allows you to positively impact your company moving forward.”

Congratulations, Tristan!

We are incredibly proud to have supported Tristan through both his Level 3 Team Leader and Level 5 Operations Manager apprenticeships. His dedication to continuous development demonstrates the lasting impact that structured leadership training can have on both individuals and organisations.

If you would like to find out more about the Level 5 Operations Manager apprenticeship, whether for yourself or members of your team, or learn how government funding can support your development plans, please get in touch with us on 01482 211714 or via email info@hbtc.co.uk. We would be delighted to discuss how the programme can help you strengthen leadership capability within your organisation.

Congratulations, Tristan. Your achievement is thoroughly deserved, and we look forward to seeing your continued success at Robson Refrigeration.

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