Refrigeration, Air Conditioning & Heat Pumps Level 3 Apprentice

The Refrigeration Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Engineering Technician is a specialist occupation involved in planning, preparing and safely carrying out work activities in process, product and space cooling. Knowledge must be transferrable between any of the core activities of refrigeration, air conditioning or heat pumps.

A 36 month apprenticeship programme delivered on a day-release basis (one day per week) at City of Portsmouth College's North Harbour Campus in North Harbour, Portsmouth.

Apprentices will spend typically 36 months on-programme working towards the apprenticeship standard, with a minimum of six hours a week off-the-job training. Off the job can consist (but is not an exhaustive list) of college attendance, homework/coursework, project related work, employer training, mentoring, and coaching.

First 24 months will be spent learning the basics of being a Refrigeration Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Engineering Technician. By the end of the first 24 months the apprentice will have achieved the Level 2 NVQ that incorporates the F Gas and ODS Regulations Category 1, they must pass this to then progress onto the final 12 months which solidifies the Level 3 learning and ensures they can progress after the apprenticeship to a Supervisory role. They will cover heat load calculations, air conditioning systems etc. This ensures the apprentices finishes the education completely and so gains more employability prospects.

The End-point Assessment (EPA) will provide summative synoptic assessments to test apprentices against the full apprenticeship standard. Before accessing EPA there will be a Gateway stage at which evidence will have to be provided for each apprentice to confirm their readiness to progress to EPA.

At Gateway the employer confirms the apprentice has acquired the required knowledge, skills and behaviours to progress to Endpoint assessment. This must include a completed Apprentice Development Journal and appropriate on programme learning outcomes and must be verified by way of a Gateway Form signed by Employer and apprentice.

End-point Assessment (final 3-6 months) - apprenticeship results and grading is generated on aggregate of three assessment methods.

Knowledge and skills test - an online multiple choice exam assessing across the knowledge requirements of the Standard. This is written, delivered and marked by the End-point Assessment Organisation (EPAO).

Practical test - takes between 14-18 hours to complete and can be carried out over a maximum of three days. It is anticipated that a minimum of 14 hours should be allowed in order to carry out all of the test tasks specified adequately. Practical tests must be written by the EPAO in line with the specification in this End-point Assessment Plan. The assessment will be observed, documented, recorded, marked and graded by an Independent Assessor appointed by the EPAO.

Professional interview - a focused interview with an Independent Assessor appointed by the EPAO enabling the apprentice to give evidence verbally of how they have applied the required knowledge, skills and behaviours through their work experience, drawing on examples from their Apprentice Development Journal synopsis. The synopsis itself will not be assessed as part of the Interview and will not contribute to the grading of the apprenticeship.

Performance in the EPA will determine the apprenticeship grade of Distinction, Merit, Pass or Fail.

After completing the apprenticeship and with a few years of experience on the tools, a fully competent technician works without immediate supervision, and liaises effectively with other trades and with end users.

We are not just interested in training you; we want to see you thrive. As you gain skills and confidence, we’ll support your growth within the company and it is hoped after the apprenticeship you decide to stay with us as a full time employee. Additional technical training can be provided, including manufacturers courses and professional development.