Refrigeration air conditioning and heat pump engineering technician
Level 3 · AdvancedConstruction and the built environment 3 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump (RACHP) Engineering Technician installs, services, and maintains the systems that control temperature in buildings, food storage, industrial processes, and data centres. Apprentices work with refrigerants, electrical controls, and pipework to keep systems running safely and efficiently. This level 3 qualification leads to senior technician roles and underpins a career in building services or specialist RACHP engineering.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Refrigeration cycle principles and thermodynamics
Safe handling, recovery, and disposal of refrigerants (F-Gas regulations)
Electrical wiring and controls for RACHP systems
Installation and commissioning of refrigeration and air conditioning units
Fault diagnosis and repair of RACHP systems
Energy efficiency and environmental compliance in refrigeration
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Install refrigeration pipework, units, and electrical controls
Commission new RACHP systems and carry out performance tests
Service and maintain refrigeration and air conditioning equipment
Diagnose and repair faults using gauges and diagnostic tools
Handle and recover refrigerants safely in line with F-Gas regulations
Complete service records and compliance documentation
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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