IOR’s free upgrade offer to technicians

UK – The Institute of Refrigeration (IOR) Engineering Technician’s Section is celebrating its 25-year anniversary with a free membership upgrade offer to subscribers. 

Launched in 2001 to recognise the importance of the hands-on technician and engineer and to share good practice within the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump sector, the section has issued over 400 bulletins and guides, over 1000 CPD certificates, and given out 25 Lifetime Achievement Awards.

The IOR is marking the occasion with an offer designed to support the career progression of section subscribers.  Starting 1 April and continuing throughout 2026, current EngTech Section subscribers will be able to upgrade to full IOR Technician Member status at no additional cost. Becoming an IOR Technician Member opens the door to additional benefits such as recognition of their status in the industry with IOR initials after their name (TMInstR) and the potential to register as an Engineering Council Engineering Technician. It is available to those with experience and a suitable qualification.

Bob Wright, Chair of the IOR EngTech Section, said: “The EngTech Section was established to champion technicians and engineers working with the tools, and for 25 years we’ve remained committed to that purpose. This anniversary felt like the ideal moment to reaffirm that commitment and support technicians who would like to get the benefits of an IOR membership in addition to the technical mailing.”

The Section, led by a panel of IOR members from contracting, wholesale and training, now also accepts applications from contracting companies who wish to enrol their field technicians – and offers a discount for those signing up over five people. 

Subscription costs £44 per year and provides quarterly technical bulletins, each focusing on a practical area of work and written by technicians for technicians. These publications can either be downloaded from the website or accessed through the IOR Technician App, making it easy to keep up with technical content on the go. Individual subscribers also receive an annual CPD certificate.

Why become a Technician Member?

Upgrading to Technician Membership offers a range of professional benefits, including:

• Use of the post-nominals TMInstR, demonstrating commitment to their professional institute
• Eligibility to apply for Engineering Council recognition (EngTech level)
• IOR membership rights and information

How to take advantage of the offer

Members ready to make the switch should email [email protected] and provide a copy of their F-Gas certificate. This offer is available to existing members of the IOR EngTech Section until 31 December 2026. Further information on the IOR RACHP EngTech Section is available at https://ior.org.uk/technical/rachp-eng-tech-members-area.