Categories: Press Releases

The Kirby Apprentice Fund has undertaken its 5th apprentice CO2 training scholarship program. 

An unprecedented number of applications from across Australia were received, indicating a desire from our industry apprentices to upskill and a growing awareness that CO2 and natural refrigerants are the future of our HVACR industry.

Thanks to sponsorship from The ARBS Education & Research Foundation, SuperCool Group, Woolworths and the support of our listed suppliers, the course was conducted at full capacity with 20 HVACR apprentices in attendance.

The nationally accredited training delivered at the Beijer Ref Academy by SCM REF AU and Superior Training Centre (RTO 41122) is the same program to have won the 2024 ARBS Award for Most Outstanding Education and Training. The group also received some system controls training from Copeland and Danfoss.

Congratulations to the recipients listed and their respective companies for supporting the apprentices in their trade learning and this upskilling initative.

Thank you to Australian Refrigeration Council, Copeland, Danfoss, Sauermann Australasia, Testo Australia, Aspen Pumps Asia Pacific, Veto Pro Pack for their continued support of the program.

As part of its commitment to supporting industry apprentices and strengthening the technical skills of the HVAC&R industry, CO2 training scholarships were awarded to twenty 4th-year HVAC&R apprentices across Australia. The apprentices undertook nationally accredited training to gain competency in CO2 Safety and CO2 System Repair and Service.
 
Alex Pashias (Gordon Brothers Industries, VIC)
Sarah Werth (Woolworths Refrigeration Installation, QLD),
Mitch Mellis (All State Refrigeration, VIC),
Nathan Hare (All State Refrigeration, VIC),
Edward Gilson (Queensland Alumina Limited, QLD),
Adam Morgan (Clements A/C Refrigeration and Electrical, NSW)
Bailey Loekkenar (Always Cool Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, QLD)
Brayden Whellum REM (Rampage Expertise SA)
Dylan Burns (Westcool, WA)
Bradley Kennedy (Fredon, ACT)
Jake Roberts (Alpine Refrigeration, QLD)
James Ahern (Alpine Refrigeration, QLD)
Khan Donald (Kingaroy Refrigeration and Airconditioning, QLD)
Brendan Cann (Elite Refrigeration, QLD)
Liam Salmond (Ultra Refrigeration, NSW)
Michael Raglus (Strathbrook Regional Services, NSW)
Imogen Stephens (Woolworths Group, VIC)
Austin Strawbridge (Woolworths Group Pty Ltd, SA)
Isaac Lacey (Cold Concepts, VIC)
Nick Gourley (Woolworths Refrigeration Installation, VIC)

HVACR Apprentices wanting to maximise their opportunities from the Kirby Apprentice Fund are invited to register at Apprentice Registration.

The Kirby Apprentice Fund is pleased to launch its CO2 training scholarship offer for 2025. Open to 4th-year HVACR apprentices, this is nationally certified CO2 training delivered at the @BeijerRefAcademy by SCM REF Australia and Superior Training Centre (RTO 41122 CRICOS Provider Number 03591C).

Recognised for its valued contribution to the advancement of natural technology and skills development within the hvacr industry, the 2025 program is proudly sponsored by the ARBS Foundation and the Australian Refrigeration Council.

The Kirby Apprentice Fund CO2 Training Scholarship offer is strictly limited to 15 placements only in April 2025. The program will be conducted 8-10 April 2025 and includes;

• Award-winning CO2 Safety and CO2 System Repair and Service training conducted by SCM REF AU and Superior Training Centre Pty Ltd (RTO ID Number 41122) at the Beijer Ref Academy, Bankstown Aerodrome NSW
• Refrigeration systems controls training, conducted by Copeland and Danfoss
• New refrigerants training, conducted by Beijer Ref
• Australian Refrigeration Council Green Scheme Accreditation (2 years).

Download the Application Form. https://bit.ly/4hTrKSc

Scholarships will be awarded on the merit of the application.

Applications are open now and close 14 March 2025.

For more information, email training@kirbyhvacr.com.au

HVACR apprentices across Australia have been upskilled in CO2 safety, repair and service thanks to the Kirby Apprentice Fund CO2 Scholarship program.

The program was the fourth and largest program delivered by the Fund, where attendees received nationally accredited training at the Beijer Ref Academy delivered by SCM REF AU and Superior Training Centre (RTO).

Apprentices also undertook one day of refrigeration system controls training led by Copeland and Danfoss as well as refrigerants training to gain a better understanding of the refrigerant phasedown and latest advancements in low GWP refrigerants.

SCM REF AU commercial sales engineer and instructor Doug Herkess said;

“Being able to conduct the training at the Academy alongside our SCM REF AU manufacturing facility is ideal. We can walk the attendees through the production, see the racks at various stages of assembly and point out components learnt in the classroom. It is an excellent way to consolidate the learning.”

Another highlight of the program is the time spent within the Gas2Go production facility, where the technicians gain valuable insights in refrigerant supply, management and reclamation.  

Kirby congratulates the apprentices for putting themselves forward and their employers for supporting their attendance and upskilling.  Companies involved included; Woolworths Refrigeration (NSW, QLD, VIC), A.J Baker & Sons (VIC), Industrial Air (SA), TVHS and TVH (QLD), Excel Industrial Services (WA), All State Refrigeration (VIC), Cold Concepts (TAS), Neptune Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (QLD).

The Kirby Apprentice Fund is committed to supporting industry apprentices and continuing the scholarship program into 2025. Fourth year apprentices or employees wishing to participate are invited to submit an expression of interest to training@kirbyhvacr.com.au

The Kirby Apprentice Fund will undertake its 4^th apprentice scholarship program in October 2024.

As part of its commitment to support industry apprentices and strengthen the technical skills of the HVAC&R industry, 15 CO2 training scholarships have been awarded to 4th-year HVAC&R apprentices across Australia. The apprentices will undertake nationally accredited training to gain competency in the safe handling of CO2 and repair and service of CO2 refrigeration systems.

Congratulations to the following technicians who have been awarded a scholarship. Nicholas Bakopoulos-Cooke (NSW), Jacob Kuhn (QLD), Jake Dixson (VIC), Amy Murray (QLD), Mitch Hart (VIC), James Russell (VIC), Sean Gregory (VIC), Samuel Appleby (NSW), Janamdeep Singh (SA), Caillean Byrne (QLD), Dylan Clark (QLD), Tyson Iredale (WA) Daniel De Angelis (VIC), Laura Mackenzie-Stirling (TAS), Blair Goldburg (QLD).

Beijer Ref marketing manager Elizabeth Paparo explains the scholarships were awarded based on the merit of applications received.

“Some of the apprentices have already had exposure to CO2 refrigeration systems and some have not. However, all that were awarded scholarships see the value in upskilling and preparing themselves for the future where CO2 systems will be more widespread across in the industry.”

“To enable expansion of the program we also invited industry customers and suppliers to join us and ‘sponsor an apprentice’. Thanks to the generous support of Copeland, Danfoss, Woolworths, SuperCool Group, Testo, Aspen and Sauerman, we have been able to make this the largest cohort to date.”

In addition, the program has also been expanded upon to include an additional training day, covering refrigeration control systems, refrigerants and the refrigerants phasedown.

Upon completing their apprenticeship and achieving their CO2 accreditation the technicians also receive ARC Green Scheme Accreditation sponsored by the Australian Refrigeration Council.

In May 2024, this same CO2 Safety, System Repair and Service course delivered by SCM REF Australia and Superior Training Centre (RTO 41122 CRICOS Provider Number 03591C) as part of the scholarship program, was awarded Most Outstanding Education/Training at the ARBS Industry Awards.

By being registered in the Kirby Apprentice Fund, industry apprentices benefit from exclusive tool offers and more. Visit kirbyhvacr.com.au for more information or to register yourself or your apprentice.

The Beijer Ref Academy CO2 Safety and Systems training delivered by SCM REF Australia and Superior Training Centre is the proud winner of the 2024 ARBS Outstanding Education/Industry Training Award.

The CO2 Safety, Repair and Service Training Course is pioneering the upskilling of HVAC&R technicians in low emissions technology. Operational since June 2022, the program stands as the first of its kind, being the first collaboration between industry and a registered training organisation, in a custom-built, latest technology training facility.

The training not only fills a critical skills gap as CO2 systems proliferate but also aligns with the phasedown of high global warming potential refrigerants, contributing to a more sustainable and compliant industry.

Elizabeth Paparo, Beijer Ref, Australia Marketing Manager identifies the aspects of the program that make it unique to the Australian market;

“One of the standout features of the program is that it incorporates face-to-face, interactive and hands-on training by industry professionals who have extensive commercial, design and in-the-field experience. The real-world commercial experiences incorporated into the training, gives technicians real-world, practical scenarios that adds value to the training experience.”

“Another unique aspect is that the training is conducted not only using leading systems technology but occurs alongside the operational SCM REF Australia manufacturing facility. Participants get the experience of being able to see commercial units at various stages of construction, which consolidates their learning in the areas of design, service and repair.”

Inderpal Saund Beijer Ref Business Development Director APAC is one of the leading Beijer Ref Academy trainers, alongside Douglas Herkess SCM REF AU Commercial Sales Engineer, and Jason Pearce SCM REF AU Sales Manager/Commercial Sales Engineer and has been central to the design of the Academy and course.

“To ensure that the training is not just product specific, the Academy not only has a CO2 rack, but also all various types of equipment from fan coil units, cool room, freezer room and display merchandise which is all connected to the system to provide a truly holistic training experience.”

“The controls used are those most widely used industry controls, to supplement the teaching of this equipment and refrigerant. The result is that the technicians who finalise their training can work on different types of controls and systems – not only what they experienced during training.”

Other technologies being demonstrated and taught within the Academy includes ejector technology, latest liquid expansion technology and heat recovery technology.

The collaboration with Superior Training Centre (RTO ID: 41122) ensures relevance, adequacy and integrity of the training delivered. Technicians who meet the course prerequisites and complete the course receive nationally accredited training, endorsed by a registered training organisation.

The program has attracted attendees from all parts of the industry, from across Australia and the APAC region and over a timeframe of 24 months has successfully delivered over 256 hours of training hours and trained over 190 industry technicians.

Upcoming courses are Thursday 22 August 2024 and Thursday 17 October 2024. Registrations can be made via an email to academy@beijerref.au.

In conjunction with Superior Training Centre (RTO 41122 CRICOS Provider Number 03591C), the Beijer Ref Academy has delivered Low GWP and Flammable Refrigerant training to QLD HVACR technicians.

2 sessions were held with 4 units of competency each delivered over 2 days, including Handling, Safety, Service and Repairs and Installation and Commission relating to A2, A2L and A3 flammable refrigerants.

The course is mobile to meet customer needs in their home state.

Does your business handle flammable refrigerants or service/repair or install self-contained A/C or refrigeration systems using A2/A2L or A3 refrigerants? Expressions of interest are being taken for additional courses. Please email academy@beijerref.au and we will give you a call.

This is nationally accredited training and with the statement of attainment achieved, technicians can apply for a Gas Work License (Hydrocarbon Refrigerants) QLD with the Department of Mines and Energy.

Units of competencies delivered include;

• VU22583 Handle Class A2/A2L flammable refrigerants
• UEERA0007 – Apply safety awareness and legislative requirements for Class A2, A2L and A3 flammable refrigerants.
• UEERA0084 – Service and Repair self-contained air conditioning and refrigeration systems using Class A2, A2L and A3 flammable refrigerants
• UEERA0048 – Skills and knowledge required to install and commission Class A2, A2L and A3 flammable refrigerant air conditioning and refrigeration systems.

The Australian Beijer Ref Academy CO2 Safety, Repair and Service Training Course delivered by SCM REF AU and Superior Training Center has been announced as an ARBS Industry Awards Finalist, in the category of Outstanding Industry Education/Training.

The course was developed with the purpose to keep building technical expertise and safe working practices amongst HVAC&R technicians to drive the acceptance of low emissions technology further.

It is making a significant industry contribution by providing quality-assured, CO2 training using leading technology, where technicians gain national accreditation that they can add to their trade license.

The course is delivered face-to-face in a hands-on, interactive manner, by industry professionals who have extensive commercial, design and in-the-field experience. The real-world commercial experiences incorporated into the training, gives technicians real-world, practical scenarios that adds value to the training experience.

Training is conducted in a custom-built facility using leading systems technology, alongside an operational manufacturing facility, so that a holistic approach is achieved.

The program attracts attendees from all parts of the industry, from across Australia and the APAC region. Over a timeframe of 16 months, SCM REF AU and Superior Training Centre (RTO 41122 CRICOS Provider Number 03591C) have successfully delivered over 220 hours of training hours and trained 148 industry technicians. This number continues to grow.

The development and delivery of the course has been industry leading – being the first collaboration between industry and a registered training organisation, in a custom-built, latest technology training facility.

The award winner will be announced at the ARBS Awards Gala Dinner, 29 May 2024.

Introducing Freddox, Beijer Ref’s exclusive house brand.

Already available throughout Beijer Ref distributors, the Freddox range now includes refrigeration components and HVAC accessories to support installers’ everyday project needs.

One of the most recent introductions is the newly released Freddox drier range. Freddox driers offer value for money and reliable performance.

They have a solid core made totally of 3A molecular sieves and special binding agent, so as not to deplete oil additives.

This provides excellent capacity for water absorption while also offering additional deacidifying characteristics.

The manufacturing process undertaken gives a considerable compactness and stoutness to the Freddox driers so that they are resistant to shocks and abrasions.

The shape of the block is designed to offer the maximum possible surface area to the incoming fluid.

The internal cavity is also positioned in such a way as to have a uniform wall thickness. As a result, the fluid encounters a constant strength at all points, flows linearly through the block, and ensures efficient dehydration and minimum charge loss. A high drying capacity minimises the risk of acid formation.

Freddox driers are recommended for use with HFO, HC, HFC and HCFC refrigerants including R32, R290 and R600a and are available now through all Kirby stores across Australia.

The Kirby Apprentice Fund has delivered another successful round of CO2 training scholarships to HVACR apprentices.

Year 4 apprentices from across Australia attended training at the Beijer Ref Academy to gain national accreditation in the safe handling of CO2, together with the repair and service of carbon dioxide refrigeration systems. The training was conducted together with Superior Training Centre Pty Ltd (RTO ID Number 41122) across 2 days filled with both theory and practical learning and assessment from industry experts using leading equipment technology from SCM REF Australia.

The program was sponsored by Kirby partners, Copeland, Danfoss, Supercool Group, Sauermann Australasia, Rapid Locking System (RLS), Testo and Woolworths Group and is the third delivered by the Kirby Apprentice Fund at the Beijer Ref Academy.

Kirby congratulates the following attendees and companies for their participation;

Jackson Egan, Channon Refrigeration Pty Ltd NSW
Courtney Zappara, Westcool WA
Ethan Bowden, Clements Air Conditioning NSW
Floyd Lucas-Baxter, OCR ACT
Logan Hay, Trane Technologies WA
Lachlan Walker, West Refrigeration NSW
Patrick O’Neill, Tritech Refrigeration NSW
Max Hunter, Tempright NSW
Brodie Jones, Woolworths Facility Management WA
Gabriel Hanna, Marsh Air Conditioning QLD
Alex Hall, SGS Air Conditioning Pty Ltd NSW
Stuart Walsh, Gordon Brothers Industries NSW

Feedback from attendees solidifies the value of the program delivered.

“Thanks heaps, I had an absolute blast! Was by far some of the best training I have received. It showed me that it’s the same principles as everything else I work on and I feel a lot more confident to tackle working with CO2 on my own now.”

“There were no stupid questions asked and the lecturers were very informative.”

“It was an absolute privilege to be a part of the course. Coming into it with very little experience in CO2, it was a lot of information to process, but it all references back to the core principles of refrigeration. The lecturers delivered complex subject matter in a very easy-to-consume format. It was an intense amount of content, but not overwhelming or confusing.”

The Kirby Apprentice Fund was established in 2019 to strengthen our trade by supporting HVAC&R apprentices with trade tool support and training to advance their technical skills. To maximize opportunities from the fund, all HVACR trade apprentices are encouraged to register their details at kirbyhvacr.com.au. To find out more or contribute to the Fund, contact your local Kirby store.