Level(s): Level 3
Duration: 30-36 months
Location: City Centre, Dumballs Road and Workplace
About the Course:
The Welsh Apprenticeship Framework requires three mandatory elements. Apprentices must complete the required technical and competence qualifications, as well as Essential Skills.
Qualification
Apprentices will be required to complete the EAL Building Services Engineering (Level 3) – Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps (RACHP) qualification, which sits within Building Services Engineering and follows National Occupational Standards. This qualification forms the technical and vocational component of the Level 3 RACHP Apprenticeship in Wales and develops the occupational skills, knowledge and behaviours required for competent employment within the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump sector.
The RACHP Apprenticeship also requires apprentices to achieve the following additional industry certification: F Gas.
The RACHP qualification develops competence in:
Refrigerant management and sustainability practices
Technical Knowledge Qualification
Assessed through two externally set and externally marked on-screen multiple-choice assessments
Vocational Competence Qualification
Assessed through a combination of practical and professional assessment methods including: Oral Questioning, an Employer-set Practical Project and an externally set Professional Discussion.
Routes:
The two active pathways focus on service, maintenance, fault finding, planned maintenance, and safe handling of refrigerants.
Competence Qualification
A practical, workplace-based qualification proving the apprentice can perform the job.
Typical units cover:
Service and maintenance of refrigeration or AC systems
Fault diagnosis and rectification
Installation and commissioning
Electrical principles and safe isolation
Refrigerant handling (including F-Gas compliance)
Technical Knowledge Qualification
Covers the theory needed in the RAC industry, including:
Thermodynamics
System components and design
Environmental requirements
Electrical & electronic controls
Industry legislation (F-Gas, health & safety)
*Essential Communication Skills Level 2 / *Essential Application of Number Skills Level 2 / *Essential Digital Literacy Skills Level 2 - Applicable if proxies are not available to Digital Skills for Construction
Entry Requirements:
This Apprenticeship (both pathways) is suitable for learners who:
are aged 16+ currently working in the trade area
have passed all relevant sector specific entry assessment (where appropriate)
have achieved one or more of the following (or recognised equivalent):
Foundation in Construction and the Built Environment qualification at Level 2
Progression in Building Services Engineering qualification at Level 2*
Welsh Baccalaureate National Diploma
GCSE grade A-C in each of the following:- a communication subject, maths and either a science or technical-based subject (e.g. Design & Technology, Electronics etc)
GCSE grade A-C in WJEC GCSE Built Environment
Level 2 'Access to Building Services Engineering' qualification
Important Points:
You must be: Employed for 16 hours or more each week in a suitable role
You must be: Living in Wales or Working 51% of your contract in Wales
You must be: Aged 16 or over
For more information on how to secure an Apprenticeship, click here.