The Institute of Refrigeration has just released a report summarising the key findings and conclusions from its The Future of Training – Right Skills for the Right Job Survey, which it conducted among IOR members in October 2025 to explore future skills and qualification needs within the sector. The report is available for download from the IOR website.

The RACHP sector is entering a period of significant and systemic skills pressure. Insights gathered from IOR members highlight a workforce challenge that is both structural and urgent. Employers report shortages not only in the number of engineers available, but also in the depth of competence, practical readiness, and emerging technical capabilities required for a rapidly evolving industry.

An ageing workforce and a limited pipeline of new entrants have created a “missing middle” of engineers aged 25–40, weakening succession pathways and reducing the sector’s resilience. At the same time, training provision remains inconsistent and fragmented across the UK, with many apprentices completing qualifications without the practical experience needed for safe and effective work. Emerging skills, particularly in natural refrigerants, controls, integration, and system design, are not developing at the pace required. Concerns also persist around professional behaviours, site readiness, and Health & Safety awareness.

This report brings together:

1. Detailed findings from IOR members and survey evidence
2. Analysis of workforce demographics, skills gaps, and training provision
3. Evaluation of apprenticeships, CPD, and career pathways
4. A comprehensive action plan with recommendations, outcomes, and responsibilities

Without strategic, coordinated intervention, these workforce shortages are expected to intensify over the next 2–5 years, with direct consequences for safety, innovation, decarbonisation progress, and the long‑term sustainability of the RACHP sector.

The action plan outlined in the report provides a practical route forward. By taking coordinated steps to strengthen training pathways, enhance professional competence, and build a more resilient talent pipeline, the IOR and its partners can stabilise the workforce, raise standards, and support sustainable sector growth. Crucially, these actions will help ensure the RACHP community is equipped to meet the technical and environmental demands of the coming decade.

The project will continue throughout 2026, incorporating more in‑depth interviews with employers, colleges, and trainees, alongside the development of an action plan to address challenges related to apprenticeships and training provision.

Enquiries about getting involved in IOR education initiatives may be sent to the IOR Education Outreach Manager, Matt Harvey, at matt@ior.org.uk.

Updates and publications from the Institute of Refrigeration, including those on education, are available at www.ior.org.uk.