Employer information

It is widely acknowledge within the refrigeration and air conditioning industry that there is a skills shortage looming. To help alleviate this problem it is vital that bright and enthusiastic young people join the industry. This can be achieved to some extent by companies recruiting apprentices and accepting work experience placements from local schools.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships provide an opportunity to recruit ambitious and motivated young people and involve a training agreement between an employer, an apprentice and, in most cases, a local learning centre or training provider. The apprentice receives on the job training and also attends external classes, usually on a day release system.

Apprenticeships are an effective recruiting method with many positive benefits for the employer such as recruiting staff who are motivated to learn and who will make the business more productive. There is also evidence that apprentices produce a cost saving for companies. The Apprentice Cost Benefit Analysis report from Summit Skills shows how cost effective recruiting an apprentice can be.

Further information about the benefits of apprenticeships can be found at www.goodday.org.uk 

Funding

Should you wish to recruit an apprentice funding may be available. Your first step should be to contact your local training provider to find out what courses are available and how they are funded.  Click here for a list of training providers offering NVQs/SVQs courses.

The proportion of costs covered will depend on arrangements between your local Learning and Skills Council and the training provider and the type of course. Some providers are also able to secure financial support from other sources. 

In general, full government funding is available for 16 to 18 years olds following a recognised apprenticeship and half funding is available for 19 to 24 year old apprentices. A recognised apprenticeship usually includes RAC NVQ at levels 2 or 3, the relevant technical certificate and key skills.

The Institute of Refrigeration is compiling a database of companies that recruit apprentices. If you would like to be added please complete this form.

If you have a current vacancy for an apprentice it can be posted it on the National Apprenticeships website http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Employers.aspx 

Further information and advice about obtaining funding  can be found at www.goodday.org.uk/Employers/typesoftraining/30

Work Experience Placements

Work experience placements have a proven track record of inspiring young people to view refrigeration and air conditioning as an attractive career choice. For further information on work experience placements please view our guidance note.

The Institute of Refrigeration is compiling a database of companies prepared to accept work experience placements. If your company would like to take part please complete the attached form.

Getting involved

Industry Ambassadors

The IOR is looking for volunteers who would be prepared to respond to schools or youth groups wanting to find out more about the refrigeration sector.

The only criteria are that you have at least five years experience at any level in the industry and a good general knowledge of relevant issues and initiatives. We can help with leaflets and presentations about careers and training. Your main role will be to share your experience and enthusiasm for refrigeration and air conditioning.

The commitment would be a minimum of one day per year and you would have to be willing to have your details added to a national database of industry Ambassadors. The national Ambassador scheme is operated through Summit Skills and STEMNET, (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network). More details can be found at www.summitskills.org.uk/businesses/435

To express an interest in becoming a refrigeration and air conditioning Ambassador please complete this form.

A powerpoint presentation to introduce the industry to schools and colleges is available here. You can customise it with your own company or college detail.

Work placement and apprenticeships

Apprenticeships and work experience placements have a proven track record of encouraging bright and enthusiastic young people into the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. It is vital that new people join our industry and your company can help. If you accept work experience placements or recruit apprentices please let us know so that we can put those looking to gain experience of the refrigeration and air conditioning industry in touch with you.

Yes my company will accept work experience placements

Yes my company recruits apprentices 

Yes I would like to add my company to the Careers in Cooling database