Talent Development

The RACHP sector is evolving rapidly, with growing demand for skilled engineers, low-carbon technologies, and future-ready workforces. Whether you are looking to attract new talent, develop apprentices, or upskill your existing staff, there are a range of training pathways available to support your business. From T Levels and apprenticeships to flexible learning and professional qualifications, employers can access structured solutions that build capability, strengthen retention, and support long-term business growth across the sector.

T Levels – Building Your Future Workforce 

T Levels in Building Services Engineering provide employers with an excellent opportunity to engage with emerging talent early and help shape the future workforce of the RACHP sector.

T Levels are a two-year technical study programme designed in partnership with employers to ensure students develop relevant industry knowledge and practical skills.

Benefits to Employers

By offering a T Level industry placement, employers can:

• Support the development of future engineers and technicians
• Identify potential apprentices or future employees early
• Help address ongoing industry skills shortages
• Bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm into the workplace
• Develop staff mentoring and leadership skills
• Strengthen social value and community engagement commitments
• Build stronger links with local education providers and training organisations

Students complete a substantial industry placement of approximately 45 days, giving employers the opportunity to assess capability, attitude, and cultural fit before making long-term recruitment decisions.

T Levels also create a direct pipeline into apprenticeships and employment within engineering, HVAC, refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump sectors.

For more information visit: T Levels and industry placement support for employers

Apprenticeships – The New Way To Recruit

The RACHP Engineering Technician Apprenticeship is one of the most effective ways to recruit, develop, and retain skilled talent within the industry.

Apprenticeships allow employers to build engineers around their own business needs, processes, and standards while supporting long-term workforce planning.

Employer Benefits:

• Develop a skilled workforce tailored to your business
• Improve staff retention and succession planning
• Reduce recruitment costs
• Increase productivity and technical capability
• Support business growth and expansion
• Access government apprenticeship funding and levy opportunities
• Strengthen ESG, social value, and local employment commitments

Apprentices typically:

• Spend 80% of their time in the workplace
• Spend 20% in structured off-the-job training
• Gain real-world experience while developing technical knowledge and practical skills

The apprenticeship standard has been developed by employers across the industry and is supported by the Institute of Refrigeration.

Looking To Recruit Or Upskill Staff?

Employers can:

• Recruit new apprentices into the business
• Upskill existing staff through apprenticeship pathways
• Partner with approved training providers
• Advertise apprenticeship vacancies
• Access support with funding, onboarding, and programme delivery

More information:

• Find an Apprenticeship Training Provider here (search the ACRIB list by postcode)
• Find out more about the  Apprenticeship Standard and Assessment here (download the official documents)
• Find an Apprenticeship vacancy here (search the Government database)

Upskilling & Workforce Development

For employers looking to strengthen technical capability, improve retention, or support business growth, structured training and qualifications can help upskill employees at every stage of their career.

Upskilling programmes can support:

• Refrigeration and air conditioning engineers
• Heat pump and low-carbon technology training
• Compliance and regulatory knowledge
• Technical supervision and management progression
• New entrants transitioning into the RACHP sector
• Multi-skilled workforce development

Training routes are available through approved providers, colleges, and specialist industry training organisations.

Industry Qualifications & Professional Development

There is a range of nationally recognised qualifications and training pathways available across the RACHP sector, supporting both new entrants and experienced professionals.

Recognised awarding organisations include:

• City & Guilds
• EAL
• NOCN Group

These qualifications help ensure consistent industry standards and support progression into technical, supervisory, and leadership roles.

Find a Training Provider here (search the ACRIB list by postcode)

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