ICS Cool Energy, an international market leader specialising in complete temperature control solutions for manufacturing process and facilities applications, has announced the launch of a new four-year apprenticeship programme in partnership with Portsmouth College and Bradford College. This initiative is designed to equip aspiring engineers with comprehensive technical expertise, hands-on experience, and relevant certifications required to work as proficient water chiller engineers.
The apprenticeship programme will recruit up to eight apprentices annually– four in the South of England in partnership with Portsmouth College and four in the North with Bradford College.
"This programme reflects our commitment to fostering talent and ensuring the industry’s future workforce is equipped with the technical expertise and hands-on experience required to excel,” said Luke Sullivan at ICS Cool Energy. "Through a combination of academic learning, practical skills, and on the job training, our apprentices will gain the specialised knowledge and problem solving capabilities necessary for success in this field."
Programme Structure
Over four years, apprentices will gain in-depth knowledge and practical experience in water chiller systems through structured learning and real-world application:
· Year 1: Introduction to ICS Cool Energy and preparation for college studies and company roles, with guidance from senior engineers.
· Year 2: focuses on foundational skills, including basic refrigeration principles, electrical and mechanical skills, health and safety, and environmental compliance. Practical training includes tool handling, small chiller installations, and shadowing senior engineers. Towards the end of the second year, apprentices train for F-Gas Category 1 certification for handling and using fluorinated refrigerants legally in the UK.
· Year 3: builds on foundational skills with advanced water chiller operations, electrical control systems, and hydraulics. Practical training covers large scale installations, maintenance, diagnostics and system optimisation for energy efficiency. The second year concludes with NVQ Level 2 refrigeration and air conditioning certification and F-Gas Category 1 certification.
· Year 4: specialises in large-scale commercial and industrial systems, advanced fault diagnostics, and system integration. Apprentices lead installations, perform complex repairs, and engage in client communication and system design. They consolidate skills and complete advanced qualification concluding with the NVQ Level 3 certification in refrigeration and air conditioning with a focus on water chillers.
A commitment to Training Excellence
The apprenticeship programme complements ICS Cool Energy’s ongoing investment professional development. The company recently opened a new training suite at its facility in Totton. The purpose-built lab enables hands-on simulations and a classroom learning using the equipment ICS Cool Energy sells, hires and services including chillers, free coolers, temperature control units (TCU), heat exchangers, and more.
The facility also features a water treatment fluid laboratory for advanced functional training, ensuring technicians, sales engineers, and customers gain practical expertise and a deeper understanding of temperature control systems.
