IOR extends training outreach programme

UK: The Institute of Refrigeration (IOR) is to extend its education outreach programme, which supports the development of the skills pipeline for the RACHP sector, for a further year. 

The second stage of its education outreach project is to focus on growing the Industry Skills Alliance, providing more tools and resources to support development of those working in the sector already and development of pathways into the sector with new entrants. 

The IOR’s Industry Skills Alliance was launched in April 2026 as the forum for collaboration between employers, training providers, awarding organisations and other related associations and initiatives in the technical training field. Its purpose has been to strengthen skills development across the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump industry while ensuring the sector is equipped to meet future workforce demands. 

During its first six months it has attracted the participation of more than 200 industry stakeholders at its meetings hosted by various training organisations across the UK. The Alliance has set up various groups looking at qualifications, STEM and funding, and has secured new supplies of LEGO kits with the support of Danfoss.  

The IOR has also been successful in doubling the number of active IOR STEM ambassadors who have between them talked to over 2,600 young people in schools about RACHP careers. 

Later this month, the IOR plans to launch a career path roadmap in association with NOCN, the educational charity formerly known as the National Open College Network, to help individuals see progression opportunities throughout their careers and routes into the industry, while also providing evidence to support future policy and skills discussions with government.

Announcing the continued funding, new IOR president Steve Gill said: “The success of the IOR’s outreach project demonstrates what can be achieved when an industry works together towards a set of common goals.”

It was originally set up by previous president Lisa-Jayne Cook as an investment by the IOR’s President Fund. 

“Next year we expect to be able to announce even more good news with outcomes around T-levels as a route into the industry, bootcamp skills to upskill the existing workforce and much needed work to review and update the RACHP apprenticeship.” 

The next Skills Alliance meeting is on 19 November in Leeds. It is free to join and to take part in meetings for anyone keen to work together to promote skills, education and workforce development within RACHP. Details and registration on the IOR website.