16 Mar 2023
The IOR has today released a specification for skills, knowledge and behaviours of those working as RACHP Mechanics and Operatives in our sector. The specification is the result of several years of debate and discussion with employers and training providers to clarify the specific requirements and expectations of those employees working in Mechanic/Operative roles and the range of qualification options available to employers and individuals.
The Mechanic/Operative specification covers a range of different job such as Pipework Installer, Service and Maintenance Operative, Air conditioning unit installer etc. It acknowledges that there are various specialist occupations at this level but that all require knowledge of basic refrigerant principles and a thorough understanding of specific tasks related to their role. There are currently qualifications available that fit these requirements such as City & Guilds Diplomas 6090-2 and 6187-01/02 that could be used to provide underpinning knowledge and assessment leading to a suitable Level 2 qualification. Over time, those working in these roles will acquire further skills and knowledge gained from experience at work and might then wish to progress onto a Level 3 RACHP EngTech Apprenticeship.
The purpose is to encourage discussion and provide guidance for the sector. The IOR Education and Training Committee has produced a number of similar Specifications in recent years including one for RACHP Engineering Technicians (based on the Level 3 Apprenticeship) and another for Design Engineers. This new specification includes a useful diagram explaining progression routes between the various roles. The IOR suggests this could be used to help employers draft skills specifications for recruitment purposes, benchmarking employee training and development programmes, as a checklist for continued professional development of technicians, or even as a specification to develop new in-house qualifications.
Download the specification here
Issued initially as a draft for comment, the IOR is welcoming feedback to ior@ior.org.uk
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21 May 2025
IOR members showed their support for the Cold Chain Federation (CCF) campaign to recognise the Cold Chain as part of the UK's critical national infrastructure, as they attended the CCF's reception at the Houses of Parliament on 20th May.
8 May 2025
Expert in climate change adaptation Tim Fox will deliver a keynote talk at the IOR’s Adaptation 2025 conference detailing why cooling is now a “mission critical” service, essential to public health, food security, global commerce, and economic well-being.
7 May 2025
Watch this webinar on catch-up, which focused on implementing technologies and operational strategies capable of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the European retail sector.