Funding increase for RACHP apprenticeship

UK: The government funding cap for the RACHP EngTech Apprenticeship has been increased up to £18,000 (Band 12) with an additional £2,000 funding for younger or disadvantaged apprentices.

The announcement by the Institute of Refrigeration follows a review prompted by the Employer Group and evidence from colleges of anticipated delivery costs. The new rate is effective immediately and includes any registrations from 1st May 2017. 

The Trailblazer RACHP Apprenticeship is Level 3 occupation so there is no Level 2 Apprenticeship available in the new scheme. Employers who only want their trainees to gain basic theory knowledge can still enrol on Level 2 qualifications instead but will not be entitled to claim government funding for this training after April 2018.

Automatic registration is now available through the City & Guilds website for City centres that currently deliver Level 3 qualifications. Information and documents about the apprenticeship package is available from City & Guilds website. This includes 6090 Diploma handbooks, assessment materials and sample tests for the on-programme qualifications. 

Work is reported to be continuing on the end point exam theory test questions and practical test guidance as well as the candidate work evidence gathering templates (Apprentice Development Journal). The IoR says detail are expected to be available at the end of June. In the meantime the RACHP Apprenticeship Assessment Plan gives an outline of how the Apprenticeship works.

A searchable list of Trailblazer apprenticeship training providers has been added to the ACRIB website.