The IOR has confirmed that it will be extending the raft of initiatives that form part of its programme to support the development of the skills pipleline for the RACHP sector. The second stage of its Education Outreach project will focus on growing the Industry Skills Alliance, providing more tools and resources to support development of those working in the sector already and development of pathways into the sector with new entrants. 

The IOR's Industry Skills Alliance was launched in April 2026 and has quickly established itself as the forum for collaboration between employers, training providers, awarding organisations and other related associations and initiatives in the technical training field. Its purpose has been to strengthen skills development across the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump industry while ensuring the sector is equipped to meet future workforce demands. 

During its first six months, this work has exceeded its targets for industry engagement by attracting the participation of more than 200 industry stakeholders to the IOR Industry Skills Alliance meetings hosted by various training organisations across the UK. The Alliance has set up various task and finish groups looking at qualifications, STEM and funding, and has secured new supplies of lego kits with the support of Danfoss.  The IOR has also been successful in doubling the number of active IOR STEM ambassadors who have between them talked to over 2,600 young people in schools about RACHP careers. Later this month we expect to launch a career path roadmap in association with NOCN which will help individuals see progression opportunities throughout their careers and routes into the industry, while also providing evidence to support future policy and skills discussions with government.

The IOR website has been redeveloped as been re-organised as a Skills and Talent Hub with separate content areas for Employers, Trainers, Learners and those interested in STEM or the Skills Alliance.  To find out more about the various aspects of this work and the resources available to help promote careers and skills see www.ior.org.uk/educaiton.

The next Skills Alliance meeting is on 19^th November in Leeds. It is free to join and to take part in meetings for anyone keen to work together to promote skills, education and workforce development within RACHP.

Click here for more information about this work and how you can support the IOR Industry Skills Alliance.