-
Technical
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
Recent posts
Government Consultation on the Role of Clean Heating Solutions
21 Jan 2026
As part of its commitment to decarbonisation, the UK Government has launched a consultation to understand what alternative technologies are available across different types of domestic and non-domestic buildings to ensure consumers have a choice of suitable low-carbon heating technology options.
News
Waste Heat and Minewater Potential for District Heating and Cooling
20 Jan 2026
How could waste heat and minewater transform district heating and cooling? Join Ted Perry Award winner Eshagh Goudarzi for a session exploring the potential of these low‑carbon thermal energy sources for heating and cooling.
Online event
Technical Updates, News on Skills & Tips on Maximising Membership
14 Jan 2026
It's all in the latest IOR Newsletter! This issue includes technical updates, progressing the skills objectives and tips on how to make the most of your membership including how to apply for Engineering Council registration.
Publication
IOR Annual Dinner After Dinner Speaker Announced
6 Jan 2026
The organising committee is delighted to announce that broadcaster Cally Beaton will be this year’s after-dinner speaker at the IOR Annual Dinner.
Live event
New 2026 Programme Card of IOR Events
5 Jan 2026
Members should have received the latest IOR Programme Card, highlighting events that will take place over the coming months. We're kicking things off in January with two events!
NewsSitemap
