This apprenticeship has been retired
This is not the latest approved version of this apprenticeship. View the latest version
Overview of the role
Planning, preparing and safely carrying out work in process, product and space cooling.
Refrigeration air conditioning and heat pump engineering technician
Reference Number: ST0322
Details of standard
1. Typical job titles
Refrigeration Technician/Engineer, Air Conditioning Technician/Engineering, Heat pump Technician/Engineer, Service Technician/Engineer, Maintenance Technician/Engineer, Commissioning Engineer.
2. Occupational profile
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.
The work is carried out in a variety of applications essential for key UK business activities such as food production, product distribution, retail storage and display, transport and office climate control, manufacturing processes (eg petrochemical, pharmaceutical), IT/Datacentres and medical/healthcare services temperature and environmental control.
Key activities are: the design, installation, routine maintenance, reactive service, commissioning and de-commissioning of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump systems. Technicians require a thorough competency in their understanding of the engineering principles of thermodynamics and the vapour compression cycle in order to perform operations. A fully competent technician works without immediate supervision, and liaises effectively with other trades and with end users.
Environmental, legislation and technology changes mean that the requirements for technicians in this sector are constantly evolving. European and UK Safety and Environmental legislation are key drivers in rapid technology changes in the sector which is responsible for an estimated 10% of UK greenhouse gas emissions and 16% of electricity use. RACHP Engineering Technicians have important responsibilities for the safety of themselves, work colleagues and the general public as well as minimising the environmental impact of cooling systems.
3. Requirements: Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours
Knowledge |
What is required |
---|---|
Legislation, Regulations and Standards |
|
Underpinning principles |
|
Data analysis |
|
System fundamentals |
|
Sustainability |
|
Skills |
What is required |
---|---|
Safe working practices |
|
Control circuit application |
|
Mechanical operations |
|
Application of mathematical principles |
|
Sustainable system operation |
|
Behaviours |
What is required |
---|---|
Safety approach |
|
Strong work ethic |
|
Logical problem solver |
|
Focus on quality |
|
Personal responsibility |
|
Communicates well |
|
Adaptable |
|
Self motivated |
|
4. Duration
typically 36 months would be required to gather sufficient practical experience.
5. Mandatory qualifications
All apprentices must achieve a “Level 2 Certificate in F Gas and ODS Regulations Category 1” as this is a legal requirement under the EU F Gas Regulation 517/2014 to work on equipment containing Fluorinated Refrigerants.
Employers who recruit candidates without English or Maths at Level 2 or above must ensure that the apprentice achieves this standard prior to the completion of the Apprenticeship.
6. Link to professional registration
This standard is designed to meet the professional standards of the Engineering Council for registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech) in partnership with the Institute of Refrigeration and CIBSE.
7. Level
Level 3 is the appropriate level for Engineering Technicians who need to work without supervision and have a high level of responsibilit
8. Review
This standard will be reviewed after three years.
Crown copyright © 2025. You may re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. Visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence