22 Aug 2019
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:

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
11 Dec 2025
The IOR is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Harvey as its new Education Outreach Manager to lead education outreach initiatives with schools, vocational colleges, and employers.
11 Dec 2025
The consultation will shape future refrigerant use for our sector. Take part in this consultation to make the views of the RACHP industry heard.Â
1 Dec 2025
Check our social media feeds on LinkedIn and Facebook to find out what we've been up to and what you can look forward to in 2026.
11 Nov 2025
The recording of the webinar featuring DEFRA and industry experts discussing the impacts and opportunities for the RACHP industry following the launch of the UK Government’s consultation on reforming the HFC phasedown under the GB F Gas Regulation is now available.
6 Nov 2025
Topics of the new bulletins include direct expansion water-to-refrigerant evaporators, electrical safe isolation and determining the wattage of electric heaters.