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

New SKILLcard gives access to students

UK: A SKILLcard is now available for the growing number of students who need access to construction sites to complement their classroom-based learning.

The new Industry Placement Card supports students aged 16 and above studying for T-levels and qualification programmes requiring longer periods of work experience placements. It can also help learners compete successfully for apprenticeships after gaining meaningful experience in the work environment. 

It identifies the holder as taking part in an unpaid work placement in the building engineering services industry and allows them access to CSCS-controlled sites along with their employer to gain on-site work experience. The card is designed to support learners transitioning from the classroom to the workplace and mirrors changes to educational policy in the UK, which have led to an increased focus on vocational training.

The new card costs £40 and is valid for three years.

Applicants must be registered onto a further or higher education qualification or training programme that is not categorised as being “occupational competence” and requires a minimum of 30 days’ work placement. They must also have passed the BESA Academy Health, Safety and Environment Operative test or one of the equivalent approved tests offered by the CITB.

The qualification being undertaken should be recognised as providing a pathway into construction and the built environment via an approved apprenticeship, registration onto an approved occupational competence qualification, which is intended to ultimately lead to a job in construction and the built environment.

Further information here

Latest News

8th February 2026

Survey highlights lack of competent engineers

UK: Employers have reported that, while demand for HVACR engineers will increase over the next few years, recruitment of technically competent individuals has become more difficult.
7th February 2026

Liquid desiccant system wins AHR Expo product award

USA: Florida-based Blue Frontier’s outdoor air system was named Product of the Year at this week’s AHR Expo in Las Vegas.
7th February 2026

Webinar will mark International Women’s Day

BELGIUM: A special webinar dedicated to celebrating, supporting, and empowering women in the refrigeration and cooling sector has been organised to mark International Women’s Day on March 6. 
7th February 2026

Sanhua expands BPHE choice

SPAIN: Sanhua has expanded its BPHE portfolio with seven new plate models and enhanced its Explorer selection software. 
6th February 2026

Mitsubishi opens Indian AC plant

INDIA: Mitsubishi Electric has officially opened its new US$23m air conditioner and compressor manufacturing facility in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. 
6th February 2026

Operation Demeter bags 168 tonnes of illegal refrigerant

BELGIUM: The World Customs Organisation has reported the seizure of 168 tonnes of ozone-depleting substances and HFCs in its latest clamp down on the illicit waste trade.