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

Technician App

IOR RACHP EngTech Section Launches New Technician App

10 Jul 2025

The IOR’s RACHP EngTech Section is proud to announce the launch of an innovative mobile technician’s app, now available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

News
Newsletter 2025

IOR Autumn 2025 Newsletter Now Available

15 Sep 2025

Read the IOR's latest newsletter for the latest on the Institute's activities, including an update on its skills objectives. This issue also includes articles written by industry stakeholders.

Publication
vote shutterstock 1786550243

IOR Elections Open

15 Sep 2025

Members can now vote for their next President-Elect and two new Trustees. Read the candidates' statements here.

News
1 AGM2018

Invitation to the 2025 Annual General Meeting of Members

15 Sep 2025

This year’s AGM will be held on 29th October. members can vote in advance, or attend live in person or online.

Live event
Technical Teacher With Student

Working To Address Skills Challenges

10 Sep 2025

Read about IOR's new outreach plans to address skills shortages and complete our skills needs survey.

Education