The expanded cohort reflects rising interest in technical training across the sector, with organisers reporting the highest number of eligible entrants since the discipline was introduced. Competitors progressed through regional heats and a rigorous skills assessment covering pipework, brazing, fault-finding and safe refrigerant handling.
Following what they described as “an intense competition” which demonstrated “a massive improvement in the standard of work from previous years”, the judges selected these six outstanding engineers to take part in the final in Wales this November:
- Alex Huggins, Bath College, Cotswold Vale Refrigeration
- Jacob Mclean, Total People Ltd, Setpoint22
- James Burns, City of Portsmouth College, Trane UK
- Kaya Yanik, Total People, Sparks Mechanical Services
- Kian Ferns, Glasgow Kelvin College, Technical Retail Services
- Martin Oates, Glasgow Kelvin College, CPA Engineered Solutions.
There are also two reserves on standby: Prajwal Dulal, Royal Engineers, and Connor Gibson, College of North West London, J.L.Harrison.
The finalists will now prepare for the multi-day national competition, where they will complete a series of timed practical tasks designed to mirror real-world RACHP challenges. Industry assessors say the larger field demonstrates growing employer engagement and a strengthening pipeline of early-career talent.
Winners will be announced at the WorldSkills UK National Finals later this year, with top performers potentially earning the chance to train for international selection.