About MCFT Training Academy

Your Workforce Development Partner in Refrigeration, Air Conditioning & Commercial Kitchen Engineering

MCFT Training Academy is a purpose-built, accredited training centre based in Reading, Berkshire, dedicated to closing the skills gap in the RACHP (Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, and Heat Pump) and commercial kitchen engineering sectors. As a City & Guilds and LCL Approved Centre and a Ofsted rated “Good” Training Provider, we deliver high-impact, hands-on training designed to support both new entrants and experienced professionals across the UK.

WHO WE SUPPORT

At MCFT, we recognise the urgent need to develop the next generation of engineers and upskill existing teams in a rapidly changing industry. With an ageing workforce and increasing demand for energy-efficient solutions, our Academy provides structured training and accredited qualifications to ensure resilient, sustainable service capability for supermarkets, facilities management companies, and specialist contractors.

Exterior of a metal building housing the MCFT Technical Academy, with signage indicating training for catering and refrigeration maintenance professionals.
A spacious classroom or workshop with wooden tables on wheels, black office chairs, fluorescent ceiling lights, a metallic machine on the left, and a large gray container or cabinet at the back. The room has a white wall, gray floor, and ceiling tiles.

WHY CHOOSE US?

  • Accredited & Trusted: Recognised by City & Guilds, LCL, Ofsted (Good), and the DfE

  • Industry Expertise: Trainers with decades of real-world experience in RACHP and commercial kitchen engineering

  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Purpose-built academy featuring live training rigs, fully operational cold rooms, and modern classrooms

  • Flexible Delivery: Courses delivered on-site at your location or at our Reading academy, with bespoke options available

  • Proven Results: Supporting workforce growth and compliance for leading supermarkets, FM companies, and specialist contractors

Meet the Team

  • A woman with blonde, wavy hair wearing a pink top and a black blazer, smiling indoors with a blurred background of a room and windows.

    Samantha Davies

    HEAD OF TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

    Sam has over 20 years’ experience in strategic training, curriculum design, and apprenticeship delivery. As Head of Learning & Development at MCFT, she oversees the strategic development of commercial and internal training at the Technical Academy. She ensures our accredited technical and leadership programmes meet the highest standards of compliance excellence and quality assurance.

  • A man with a bald head and a beard smiling, wearing a white dress shirt, against a background with a dark blue wall and a light-colored ceiling.

    Colin Tomlinson

    TECHNICAL ACADEMY MANAGER

    Colin has over 22 years of experience in the refrigeration industry and now leads the training team at MCFT Training Academy. As a fully qualified RACHP Professional and 18th Edition Electrical Certified Engineer, he draws on his extensive background in RACHP service & installation to provide dedicated mentoring for the next generation of engineers.

  • A woman with long blonde hair smiling at the camera, wearing a black shirt against a plain light-colored background.

    Amber L'Estrange

    LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT LEAD

    Amber L’Estrange is a skilled Learning & Development professional with over 5 years’ experience designing and delivering impactful training programmes in early careers, leadership development, and employee engagement. Holding a CIPD Level 5 Diploma, she excels in managing government-funded apprenticeships and creating tailored learning solutions that align with business goals.

  • Portrait of a man with short brown hair, a beard with gray, wearing a navy polo shirt with a logo that says 'Ian MCFT,' standing against a plain beige wall.

    Ian Hills

    REFRIGERATION TRAINER

    With over 20 years’ experience in refrigeration and air conditioning, Ian has worked in both military and commercial environments as a former Army engineer and technical trainer he has installed and maintained critical RACHP systems under high-pressure conditions. Fully qualified with City & Guilds Level 3, F-Gas, Hydrocarbons, a Level 5 Diploma in Education & Training, and NEBOSH certification.

  • A man with dark hair, slight beard, wearing a navy blue polo shirt with a logo that says 'Matt' and 'MCFT', standing against a plain white background.

    Matt Maya

    TECHNICAL TRAINER

    Matt has 20 years’ experience in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry along with direct experience in facilities management. He holds Level 2 and 3 certifications in RACHP Systems as well as specialist qualifications in electrical engineering, ammonia handling, and food safety. His technical expertise spans everything from small commercial units to complex multi-compressor installations.

  • A smiling middle-aged man with glasses and a bald head, wearing a dark polo shirt, standing against a plain white wall.

    Mark Talbot

    COMMERCIAL GAS TRAINER

    Mark is a seasoned gas industry professional with over 40 years’ experience across domestic, commercial, and LPG systems. Holding City & Guilds apprenticeship credentials and current ACS certifications for Natural Gas and LPG, as well as advanced qualifications in electrical safety and quality assurance, Mark has spent the past decade specialising in training, auditing, and assessing gas work to industry standards.

Contact us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!