CoolKit, the largest specialist in temperature-controlled and refrigerated light commercial vehicles (LCVs) in the UK, has worked with long-term partner Thermo King UK to supply an advanced electric training vehicle to The City of Liverpool College, which will support the teaching of the next generation of highly skilled cold chain technicians.

In preparation for its new Mobile Transport Refrigeration Technician – Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard, launching September 2025, the college worked with the industry leaders on the conversion of a Maxus eDeliver 9 chassis into a bespoke box body van, fully equipped with a Thermo King E200-50 Max refrigeration unit, Titan solar power system and a suite of safety and access features.

The training fridge van will now play a critical role in supporting the college’s new apprenticeship programme, designed to address the growing skills shortage in cold chain logistics. It will be used as a hands-on training platform for students looking to begin or grow a specialist career in the sector by helping them to gain a deep understanding of how transport refrigeration systems work, and how to keep them running in real-world conditions.

Collaborating to Build Cold Chain Expertise

Working closely with the college, CoolKit and Thermo King UK converted a Maxus eDeliver 9 chassis into a bespoke box body van featuring:

• Thermo King E200-50 Max refrigeration unit
• Titan solar power system for extended range and reduced emissions
• A suite of safety and access features for hands-on learning

The electric fridge van will be a mobile classroom, allowing students to practice installation, servicing, and maintenance of electric transport refrigeration systems in a safe, realistic training environment.

Patrick McKimm, Sales Director at CoolKit, said:

“This project shows how businesses and education providers can work together to tackle the skills shortage and the shift toward sustainable, electric logistics. We’re proud to support future technicians with a solution that mirrors where the industry is heading – electric and efficient.”

A Realistic Platform for Green Skills Training

The fully electric, solar-assisted training vehicle delivers a +3°C chill capability and a payload of 1,088 kg, providing students with realistic and sustainable experience in mobile refrigeration maintenance and repair.

CoolKit designed the system so that the condenser and evaporator are demountable, enabling students to remove and re-install key components as part of their practical training modules.

Andrew McKenzie, Business Development Manager at Thermo King UK, added:

“Visiting the college to see the finished result was a proud moment. This fully electric, solar-powered fridge system gives students real access to cutting-edge green technology.

I started my own career as an apprentice, so to now be part of something that supports the next generation of fridge engineers feels like a full-circle moment.”

Empowering the Next Generation

The City of Liverpool College is leading the way in training future cold chain technicians, preparing learners for vital roles that keep temperature-sensitive goods — from fresh produce to life-saving pharmaceuticals — moving safely through supply chains.

Colin Salmon, Director of Work-based Learning & STEM at the college, said:

“By equipping the next generation of cold chain professionals with hands-on experience using industry-leading technology, this initiative ensures apprentices are fully prepared to protect temperature-sensitive goods throughout transit.

At the end of the course, learners will leave with a nationally recognised qualification, practical skills, and the confidence to thrive in this challenging yet rewarding sector.”

A Partnership Driving Progress in the Cold Chain Industry

This collaboration represents a significant step toward bridging the technical skills gap while accelerating the transition to sustainable refrigerated transport.

By combining CoolKit’s design innovation, Thermo King UK’s green technology, and Liverpool College’s educational leadership, the project sets a powerful example of how industry and education can unite to build a skilled, future-ready workforce for the UK’s cold chain.