Throughout 2021 meetings took place with employers and specialist trainers, with support from the Institute of Refrigeration and City & Guilds, to review the RACHP "Trailblazer" apprenticeship originally developed by an employers’ group in 2021-2015 and approved for delivery in 2015.  In 2021 the first successful new Apprenticeships have been awarded.   

The Occupation Standard and Assessment Plan below will set the requirements for government-funded Apprenticeships at Level 3 and are aligned to the Engineering Council requirements for Engineering Technician.  The documents follow the mandatory requirements of Government funded Apprenticeship programmes. The review has identified some areas for amendment to ensure that the apprenticeships continue to meet employer needs, are practical to deliver and provide a consistently high standard of assessment across centres.

Input is now sought from a wider group of employers of apprentices on the proposed changes as part of industry consultation. The documents showing proposed changes are available for download from these links.  The deadline for the consultation is 15th December 2021. 

If sufficient support for changes is received by employers these changes will be proposed to the approvals body The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education and in due course the changes will be introduced to training centres and assessment bodies.

For more background on the Apprenticeship please see https://ior.org.uk/careers/apprenticeship-trailblazers

We also expect to hold a webinar later in the year to review the proposed changes and industry feedback.

 

Recent posts

Miriam S2Cool

IOR‑Backed Project Recognised by UK Government

26 Jan 2026

The SC2 Cool project, which counts the IOR as a strategic partner, has been highlighted in the UK Government’s International Education Strategy as a case study within the theme “Championing the UK as a Global Leader in Research, Science and Technology”.

News
Pic 4

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
TechTalk Feb 26 1

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
Cover

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
CallyBeaton 30941 RT Press

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