This month we’re recognising Ali, who has reached 20 years with Cool Services as an Air Conditioning Service Engineer.
Looking back on his career, Ali says: “I really can’t believe how fast the years have gone by.”
His career has taken him through a range of engineering and manufacturing roles, from tool making to working abroad, including roles with MG Rover at Longbridge and Bombardier in Doncaster. After gaining his City & Guilds qualifications and an HNC, he applied for a Service Engineer position with Cool Services – and has been here ever since.
“I enjoy the variety and the travel,” says Ali. “I can go to a different job every day, and I find that really interesting. I enjoy meeting people and building a rapport with clients.”
Understanding customers and their businesses is an important part of Ali’s approach to service engineering.
“I’m interested in my clients’ businesses. I’m fascinated by the range of companies across the Midlands and how they all use HVAC systems to meet their needs.”
He also sees listening to customers as an important diagnostic skill. “I can often glean a lot about a system breakdown by speaking with the customer and really understanding their needs. It sounds basic, but it really is a skill and it makes the job run much more smoothly.”
Alongside his technical role, Ali has mentored many apprentices during his 20 years with Cool Services. “I go out of my way to enhance their training and show them the ropes in all aspects of working life.”
His advice to young people starting their careers reflects his practical background: “I’d always advise young people to develop their skill set. I would go for something practical – it has served me well.”
After two decades with Cool Services, Ali still values the variety of businesses, people and technical challenges that come with working across the Midlands.
Congratulations to Ali on 20 years with Cool Services.