Advanced Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Apprenticeship

The Refrigeration Air Conditioning and Heat Pump (RACHP) Engineering Technician is a specialist occupation involved in planning, preparing and safely carrying out work activities in process, product and space cooling. Knowledge must be transferrable between any of the core activities of refrigeration, air conditioning or heat pumping.

Typical job roles can include: Refrigeration Technician/Engineer, Air Conditioning Technician/Engineering, Heat pump Technician/Engineer, Service Technician/Engineer, Maintenance Technician/Engineer, Commissioning Engineer.

Length of programme: Minimum 36 months

The Apprenticeship is comprised of the following elements:

• Level 2 Diploma in Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning
• Level 3 Diploma in Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump Systems (6090-30)
• Level 2 Award in F-Gas and ODS Regulations: Category I (2079-11)
• Functional Skills in English Level 2
• Functional Skills in Mathematics Level 2
• 20% Additional off-the job training
• Off-the job training must be at least 20% of the time; is paid and outside the normal day-to-day working duties. It can include: Theory teaching, Practical training (e.g. shadowing, mentoring, industry visits, attendance at competitions, Learning support, Writing assignments etc.
• End-point assessment

You will be allocated a qualified assessor who will carry out pre-arranged on-site assessments. They will also give you target dates by which to complete set work and your progress will be regularly reviewed and your employer notified if issues and problems occur to enable all parties to assist you in achieving your award. (It is essential that each candidate is fully committed to this programme as self study will be needed if all work is to be adequately completed).

You will also be required to attend “off the job” training to achieve all components of this qualification.

Interviews are guaranteed to all applicants and you will be asked to complete a Chamber Training Application Form and to sit a Basic Skills Agency Assessment and Aptitude Assessments. These assessments are mandatory to enable us to assess your literacy and numeracy abilities and to be able to offer you the best option to suit your needs.

Due to the technical content of this qualification it is recommended that applicants possess the following skills and qualities:

• A high level of mathematics is required
• Have an aptitude for technical subjects and/or are practically orientated
• Have an interest in technology
• Can demonstrate an ability to solve practical problems
• A Disciplined approach to safety
• Must have a strong work ethic
• Take Personal responsibility
• Have good communication skills
• Must be self motivated

Once you have completed your Apprenticeship:

• You may be offered a permanent position with your employer
• You may be offered a promotion
• You will receive a salary in relation to your age
• You can progress onto higher education such as a diploma or a degree

You could progress onto the Team Leader / Supervisor Apprenticeship Standard

You could undertake roles such as: Refrigeration Technician / Air Conditioning Technician / Refrigeration Service and Maintenance Technician / Air Conditioning Service and Maintenance Technician