Industry launches trailblazing transport refrigeration apprenticeship
On Tuesday, January 16th, Cold Chain Federation member Marshall Fleet Solutions hosted an industrywide event marking the launch of the UK’s
first dedicated apprenticeship for the transport refrigeration industry.
Approved for delivery following a two-and-a-half year process spearheaded by Marshall Fleet Solutions and
several partners within an initial “trailblazer” group, the Mobile Transport Refrigeration Technician apprenticeship
has been designed from the ground up to develop all the knowledge, skills and behaviours required in order to
install, service and repair transport refrigeration units.
The course can be delivered across the UK on an industry-wide basis, enabling transport refrigeration companies
and fleet operators of all sizes to work with training providers to develop their own teams of fully qualified inhouse
engineers and technicians.
Taught and assessed in partnership with accredited training providers, the course will typically take 36 months,
with an end point assessment (EPA) period of four months.
Speaking at today’s event, Marshall Fleet Solutions Managing Director Mark Howell remarked, “This new
apprenticeship is a much-needed replacement for an outdated, complicated setup that contained gaps and often lacked relevance.
“With this new programme, we have finally achieved proper recognition of the crucial work being done by the
talented people who are ultimately ensuring an uninterrupted supply of food and medicine in the UK.
“I’m grateful to our partners within the industry and education sector for their support in developing this
comprehensive apprenticeship standard, and to the government for acknowledging the specific need for such
an apprenticeship.”
Members of the apprenticeship trailblazer group include Morrisons, Petit Forestier, Nagel-Langdon, Turners of
Soham, Coolmax, Michael Ward Refrigeration, Peter Staines Refrigeration, TIP Group, and Tesco.
Reflecting the widespread support for the apprenticeship, the launch event was attended by transport
refrigeration service providers, fleet operators and training providers.
Also in attendance were representatives from City of Liverpool College, who proved instrumental in developing
course content alongside Marshall Fleet Solutions and its trailblazer partners.
“We are proud to have partnered with industry to develop this pioneering and much-needed new
qualification,” said Lynton Perry, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Sector Lead at City of Liverpool
College.
“The apprenticeship has a broad appeal extending well beyond school leavers, and including adult learners
considering a career change, as well as anyone seeking a flexible working package that fits in with their needs.”
For its own intake, Marshall Fleet Solutions and City of Liverpool College aim to pilot the apprenticeship with up
to 10 apprentices starting in 2024.
More information on the Mobile Transport Refrigeration Technician apprenticeship can be found on the Institute
for Apprenticeships & Technical Education’s website
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