01 September 2015
Getting more young people interested in a career in the refrigeration, heating and air conditioning industries (HVAC&R) was one of the topics discussed at the Institute of Refrigeration, Heating & Air Conditioning Engineers (IRHACE) HVAC&R Apprentice Information Evening on 26 August in Hamilton.
Local employers and apprentices from the HVAC&R industries and representatives from local schools listened to speakers from the Climate Control Companies Association (CCCA) and Competenz.
Attendees had a lively debate with industry, CCCA and Competenz on apprenticeships and the associated costs and responsibilities, how to get more school leavers interested in the HVAC&R industries, and how the qualification system works for these industries.
"It was great to see local companies getting involved in the evening and potential apprentices attending. Having the event at the new Wintec facility was a bonus as many of the attendees were able to view the new workshops," Competenz regional manager Marc Borland says.
“A key topic of discussion was around how to get industry exposure to school leavers and potential employees. Apprentices’ viewpoint is HVAC&R is a great trade with good training. This viewpoint was also reflected by employers on the night."
Competenz account manager Harry van Vliet also attended the event.
“After the presentations there was a question and answer session with good input from industry and Competenz,” Harry says.
“The mix and mingle enabled interested people to talk with different company representatives.”
Competenz are proud supporters of the HVAC&R industries and are actively working with these industries to grow and develop training opportunities for apprentices.
