Ben Sunderland was only 17 when he completed a Certificate III in Engineering Mechanical Trade (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning) with Community Solutions (*formally known as TORGAS) in 2005. Now at 34, he is the founder and owner of BMS Refrigeration and Electrical in Kirwan, North Queensland.
We caught up with Ben to hear about his journey from finishing his apprenticeship with Community Solutions, to starting his own business.
At 17, Ben wanted to be a mechanic like his dad, but his dad encouraged him to look for something that was mechanical but less dirty. He approached Community Solutions wanting to be a chef but his field representatives, Kylie Morgan and Tahnee Smithwick, encouraged him to try refrigeration instead, as they knew he liked mechanics.
Community Solutions really helped influence the direction I was going with my life. I didn’t know at the time how much I’d love refrigeration, but it was the best of both worlds, electrical and mechanical.
Ben loved it so much that in 2009, he was awarded Most Outstanding from Community Solutions, having completed his apprenticeship in only 3 years and 2 months, almost a year faster than the norm.
Over the next 12 years, Ben spent time working as a concreter, refrigerator mechanic, electrical supervisor and even worked in a bottle shop for a while.
Everyone goes ‘Oh you moved around a little bit’, but with refrigeration, every aspect of the trade, you must get your head around, otherwise you’re literally stuck in one part of the industry.
Ben also completed an apprenticeship in Electrical Fitter Mechanics and found he was able to increase his client base by merging the two trades. This is not common in the industry as most people pursue electrical, then go on to specialise in refrigeration. But Ben found value in going against the grain.
It was beneficial to me and made me a better tradesman in the electrical industry. Going from refrigeration to electrical, I love it. I love every part of it. I could now turn a normal fan into a generator.
In 2019 Ben was poached by a plumbing and electrical company to be their electrical supervisor. Over the next 3 years, he helped build the business from $20,000 to $2.5 million profit. This experience gave him the knowledge, confidence and networking to launch BMS Refrigeration and Electrical.
When people think of ‘fridgies’, they think we just fix fridges and air conditioners, but commercial refrigeration is huge. We work in cold rooms, massive supermarket fridges and multi-story chillers.
Ben has found the industry challenging at times so ensures he pays it forward with his own apprentices, encouraging honest, two-way communication.
I didn’t like the culture and the way a lot of the guys were being treated at times, but it taught me how not to speak to my guys.
Ben learnt from his own experience and is a dedicated mentor to his apprentices.
By the time they’re finished they should be better than me. Every bit of my knowledge I’ve instilled into them. As we grow, everything expands, and we adapt. He tells them: “You should be adapting quicker, and I should be trying to chase you down.
What does Ben say to people entering the industry today?
Turn up on time. On time means 15-20 minutes early. Put your phone in the glove box and be present. Turn up, don’t just show up. Companies are looking for that eagerness, they want to know you’re really dedicated.
Ben is still friendly with his TAFE teachers, often consulting each other on industry matters. Community Solutions also remains one of his long-term clients.
*In July 2015, TORGAS joined Community Solutions Group. In May 2022, TORGAS joined completely with Community Solutions as one brand.
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