2 Nov 2021
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.
13 Feb 2026
This new strategic education and skills forum is designed to align training provision with the needs of employers across the sector and to act as the industry’s authoritative voice to awarding bodies, government, and policy stakeholders.
18 Feb 2026
Have you considered a career in technical teaching? BESA is currently offering a Skills Legacy Programme to help fund teacher training for 100 engineers to become trainer or assessor.
17 Feb 2026
The I’m a Scientist initiative might be exactly what you’re looking for.
If you work in STEM (engineering is included!) you can take part in this programme designed to connect professionals with students aged 10 to 18.
16 Feb 2026
The Institute of Refrigeration announced at the IOR Annual Dinner that two members have been recognised as Fellows for their leadership and contribution to the RACHP industry. Their achievements include a scope of different areas, including promoting skills, technical development and international outreach.
13 Feb 2026
During her speech at the IOR Annual Dinner on 12th February 2026, IOR President Lisa-Jayne Cook FInstR reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to placing members and skills at the forefront of its agenda.