2 Years ago 
This week ten 4th year HVACR apprentices participated in the first round of the Kirby Apprentice Fund Naturals Training Scholarship Program.
Participants were;
Brand and communications manager, Elizabeth Paparo said the scholarship recipients were selected from a pool of applicants because they demonstrated a commitment to the environment, upskilling themselves, and learning more about what they all referenced as “the future of our industry”.
“They were an impressive group of young technicians who were excited to be a part of the program, appreciative and remained inquisitive throughout,” she said.
As part of the program, the apprentices completed the CO2 units of competency required to qualify for ARC Green Scheme Accreditation – the only national accreditation available for technicians to demonstrate they are qualified to work with natural refrigerants.
“It is a commitment of Beijer Ref to progress the uptake of natural refrigerant technology throughout the industry and we thank Superior Training Centre, RTO number 41122 for delivering the formal training components.”
The technicians also had hands-on experience within the Beijer Ref Training Academy, led by SCM REF Australia’s, Inderpal Saund. The training facilities here at Beijer Ref, allow participants to walk straight out of the classroom, into the Academy and where they can compare their theory notes with first-class subcritical, transcritical and combo rack assemblies.
“It was a unique opportunity to see the componentry up close and running, track the pipe runs, touch and feel the rack assemblies. They were also able to interact with and learn from a mobile CO2 training unit, created for the program.”
The Kirby Apprentice Fund looks forward to announcing another round of the Scholarship Program in the future. There are many ways to support the Kirby Apprentice Fund, which remains committed to supporting apprentices and strengthening the technical skills of the HVAC&R industry.
Kirby congratulates and thanks the apprentices’ employers for supporting their technician’s attendance and participation. The Scholarship program was supported by the Australian Refrigeration Council, Emerson Climate Technologies, and AIRAH.
To find out more information about supporting the Kirby Apprentice Fund, contact your local Kirby branch. HVACR apprentices can register into the Fund at kirbyhvacr.com.au. To register your interest in training at the Beijer Ref Training Academy, email bracademy@beijerref.com.au