World News

Industry news and insights from Europe and around the World

UK News

Latest news and developments in the United Kingdom

Products

Keep up-to-date with the latest new products and technology

Features

General articles, applications and industry analysis

Forty trainees to compete in SkillFridge

UK: Around 40 refrigeration and air conditioning apprentices will compete in the regional rounds of the 2018 SkillFridge competition, which begin next week.

SkillFridge is the National skill competition for students and apprentices studying up to Level 3 RACHP.

Since January, colleges from across the UK have been identifying their most outstanding RACHP students and have put them in the running to compete in the SkillFridge 2018 competition. The series kicks-off next Tuesday (June 12) at Bath College, before moving to Eastleigh College on Thursday (June 14). The third heat takes place in Burnley on July 12 at the Practical Refrigeration Training Centre and the final round at Grimsby Institute on July 18.

The top seven scoring competitors will go on to compete at the SkillFridge final taking place at WorldSkills LIVE in November. The winner will receive their award at the ACR News Awards in March 2019.

Bath College, who will host the first regional heat, is the largest provider of apprenticeships in Bath, helping students find a suitable course and ensure they have the knowledge and skills required for their chosen career.

Simon Robinson, refrigeration and electrical learning coordinator at Bath College, host of the first regional heat, said: “The whole SkillFridge competition sets a high level of standard that the industry wants to be recognised for and Bath College are keen to support this ethos.

“The apprentices here feel it is an honour to get into the regional heats and realise they have been selected because they are showing signs of being potentially the best future engineers for the industry,” he added.

Eastleigh College assessor/verifier and lecturer Shaun Creech praised the competitive aspect of the event. “We have noticed that the students – year on year – get more competitive with each other to see who the best within the college is. When they get through to the regional and national finals, you see them step up again. You really see them improve, and become more confident and competent.”

Latest News

13th August 2026

Daikin adds Sustainable Homes Centre in East Ham

UK: Daikin has opened a further Sustainable Homes Centre at the East Ham, London, premises of London Heating & Plumbing Supplies.
13th August 2026

IOR briefs on retrofitting doors

UK: A new technology brief on retrofitting doors to open-fronted display cabinets is now available for free download from the IOR website.
13th August 2026

Danish researchers rethink ejector design

DENMARK: Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) claim to have developed a component that both improves efficiency and provides a completely new way of optimising thermal energy systems.
13th August 2026

Davidsson assumes role as acting Beijer Ref CEO

SWEDEN: Wholesaler Beijer Ref has appointed Joel Davidsson as acting CEO and president following the recent announcement that Christopher Norbye would be stepping down from the role.
12th August 2026

Keeping systems safe from cyber attacks

USA: Recent incidents involving cyber attacks on HVACR control systems have underlined their potential vulnerability and the need for vigilance.
12th August 2026

Haier’s integrated HVAC solution to Larnaca heat

CYPRUS: Haier has delivered an integrated HVAC solution to Larnaka’s new district local government offices.