Follow TEAM UK in Kazan

22 Aug 2019

Team UK in Kazan Team UK - 37 of the brightest and best young apprentices will get started at the 'Skills Olympics' in Kazan, which opens in front of 54,000 spectators today (Thursday August 22nd). These young stars have already spent up to four years competing and training in order to reach the elite level they are at which enables them to compete against the best on the world stage. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technicians are among the 32 different disciplines that the UK is competing in at the 45th WorldSkills Finals.

The UK RACHP industry will be represented by:

Orlando Rawlings

Skill: Refrigeration

Home town: Grimsby

Training provider: Grimsby Institute of Further Education and Higher Education

Employer: Daikin UK

Dr. Neil Bentley-Gockmann OBE, CEO of WorldSkills UK which runs the regional and national competitions, selects and trains Team UK has called upon Prime Minister Boris Johnson to drive a 'skills upgrade' to help mainstream excellence and incorporate international best practice.

Speaking from Kazan he said: "Team UK is up for it! They've done so much training and can't wait to get started and represent the UK at its best on the world stage. I'm sure the whole country will join me in wishing Team UK the best of British."

Team UK finished 10th at the last finals (Abu Dhabi 2017) and is hoping to replicate that form.

Live coverage of the spectacular Opening and Closing Ceremonies is being featured live on UK TV (Showcase TV Sky 192) for the very first time and live updates are being streamed daily at: www.worldskillsuk.org

For more about SkillFRIDGE and regional heats to identify the next UK champion see www.skillfridge.co.uk

Back to news

Recent posts

IOR Launches Industry Skills Alliance

13 Feb 2026

This new strategic education and skills forum is designed to align training provision with the needs of employers across the sector and to act as the industry’s authoritative voice to awarding bodies, government, and policy stakeholders.

Education

IOR President Focuses on People and Skills at the Annual Dinner

13 Feb 2026

During her speech at the IOR Annual Dinner on 12th February 2026, IOR President Lisa-Jayne Cook FInstR reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to placing members and skills at the forefront of its agenda.

Live event

The IOR Recognises Outstanding Achievements at the 126th Annual Dinner

13 Feb 2026

At its 126th Annual Dinner in London on 12 February 2026, the IOR celebrated exceptional individual achievements that have advanced the RACHP sector. It also recognised an organisation demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability through the IOR Beyond Refrigeration Environmental Award.

Live event

IOR Anniversary Book Now Available for Pre Order

13 Feb 2026

The IOR’s 125th Anniversary Book is now available for pre‑order. Secure your copy today and enjoy a remarkable journey through 125 years of the Institute’s history!

Publication