FREEZE A JOLLY GOOD FELLOW
AS we try to tackle the unprecedented challenges of the virus crisis, thousands of frontline workers are going above and beyond to take care of us all. From nurses and doctors to drivers and engineers we want to introduce you to the nation’s key workers in our new series Keeping the Nation Moving...
CARL Walker, 31, of Hull, has to stay ice cool in the virus crisis – to help keep everyone fed.
He’s a mobile transport refrigeration engineer whose critical job in the ‘cold chain’ makes sure fresh and frozen food gets to every supermarket chain in the country and our homes.
Working for Robson Refrigeration – who manage the units for delivery firm Carrier Transicold in Yorkshire – Carl also plays a vital role in making sure temperature critical pharmaceutical and clinical trial deliveries are made safely.
What is the job about?
From home delivery vans to giant trucks, I’m there to maintain and fix the units. The last thing we can have is them breaking down or not running at the right temperatures.
I drive around my region on my own with all the tools and equipment I need to do the job. It gets dirty climbing into or under the units.
How do you feel about it?
I love it. I’m always proud of the work I do, but even more so at the moment.
Whether its protecting drugs and medicines, helping supermarkets put food on the shelves, or making sure the home delivery vans are all still running, it’s good to know I’m playing my part.
How has your working life changed since lockdown?
All the supermarket work has really ramped up of course, so that’s become more important. On the flip side, the vehicles that were making deliveries to places like pubs and hotels aren’t on the road any more, so it’s more the areas where we’re needed that’s changed.
Does being on the road in the crisis feel strange?
Yeah, definitely. It normally takes me an hour to get into work but I’m doing the journey in 20 minutes now. Even less cars on the road should help me get to more jobs, quicker and easier.
How are you keeping safe while at work?
We’ve put in loads of extra safety measures – I’m always wearing gloves, we’ve got plenty of antibacterial wipes and hand sanitiser and we clean the trucks down before and after working on them.
Of course, I’m generally on my own in the van so it’s easier to keep away from people.
We’re trying not to go into customer offices now so that we don’t come into direct contact with anyone, and back at the depot we’re working separately – some of the guys are on standby so they only come in when there is specific work they can do.
Is your family worried?
My girlfriend Rebecca knows I’m being really careful, but she also understands that the work we’re doing is really important. Of course, the first thing I do when I get home is wash my hands.
Is there a great sense of camaraderie amongst you and your colleagues?
Absolutely – even though we’re not actually spending any time face to face. We all know we’re making a difference, which is a great feeling.
How did you get into this line of work?
I left school with two GCSEs and no idea what I wanted to do. I got some basic engineering qualifications but couldn’t get onto the career ladder.
I went through a series of jobs including mixing chemicals in a DIY store. I was made redundant and couldn’t find work for months. I was losing all my self-belief. Then one day I spotted a job as a labourer at Robson Refrigeration, helping engineers, and went for it.
I loved it and impressed the company with my work ethic. They put me forward to retrain as a transport refrigeration engineer via Carrier’s Training Academy.
Was that hard?
It took a while to get back into studying but I always had the support I needed. I have recently passed the four-year course with Full Distinction.
Has it changed your life?
In every way possible. I have an amazing career and am doing such a key job. I am also helping train other people.
I used to get the bus into work, but the course pushed me to learn to drive and now I have my own van. I also bought my own house last year.
Contacts
Carrier Transicold: carrier.com/ truck-trailer/en/uk/