17 Oct 2018
Preparation for the last leg of the SkillFRIDGE competition has begun as the six qualifying apprentices from the national heats hone their skills and sharpen their knowledge in readiness to compete in the SkillFRIDGE final, taking place at WorldSkills UK LIVE.
Held at Birmingham’s NEC from 15-17 November, WorldSkills UK LIVE is the UK’s largest apprenticeships and careers event of which the RACHP sector, with its associated SkillFRIDGE competition, is just one part.
Vying to come away with the SkillFRIDGE gold medal are Chandler Davison and Kevin Ballantine, who are both training with Bath College and employed with Thermocold Ltd and TKB Air Conditioning, respectively; Sam Gills, who is employed and trained by Star Refrigeration; Refrigeration Lindum’s Thomas Thompson, who is studying at Grimsby Institute; Dominic Dray from Royale Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, training with Eastleigh College; and Dunbia Foods’ Edward Davis, who studies at Cardiff and Vale College.
Over the course of the three-day event, the apprentices will be tasked with the completion of a series of challenging assignments under test conditions, in a comprehensive examination of their overall knowledge, practical skills, and adherence to industry standards.
The gold, silver and bronze medallists will be announced at a ceremony on the final day of WorldSkills UK LIVE.
Those who score sufficiently highly in the SkillFRIDGE final will also be eligible to compete at a global level in the WorldSkills international competition, forming part of Squad UK and going head-to-head with the very best talent from a host of other countries across the world.
For more information on the SkillFRIDGE competition series, visit www.skillfridge.co.uk
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.