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The Industry Educational Trade Scholarship (IETS) has wrapped up for another year, with all nine students and their teachers, successfully completing the two-week training course.

Partnered by the ARBS Foundation, Airconditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association (AMCA) and Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturers Association of Australia (AREMA), the scholarship aims to increase
opportunities for students studying commercial refrigeration and air conditioning and also provide professional development for teachers.

The scholarship recipients – from New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia – attended a two-week residential course at the Refrigeration and Climate Control Centre of Excellence (RCCC) in Melbourne in July and October.

The RCCC is a partnership between AMCA and Box Hill Institute. It ensures that recipients are exposed to the latest technological advances for HVACR.

There are eight key units of competency in the scholarship from the Master Refrigeration program developed by AMCA. The Box Hill Institute awarded students a Statement of Attainment for each unit completed, while AMCA provided a Master of Refrigeration certificate to all nine students who completed these units.

The program was extremely well received, with students and teachers responding positively to a post scholarship survey.

Feedback included:

“I had a great time at the institute and I can't even put into words how lucky I feel to have had the experience I did. I feel that I got exposed to such a broad amount of the industry that I didn't realise was there.”

“I really didn't want my time to end at this scholarship. I will never forget how great it was. I wish I never had to leave!”

“I had an amazing time at Box Hill. Not only did I gain a lot of knowledge to help me in the field but I also got to meet lots of awesome people who enjoy their jobs as much as me from all around Australia”

AREMA president, Mark Padwick, said it is great to receive such positive feedback. "It highlights how worthwhile this program is, as well as the excellent facilities and quality of teachers at Box Hill."

AMCA executive director, Sumit Oberoi, said it was another ‘outstanding year’ for the IETS.

“This program helps give something back to the industry by supporting emerging young talent. We are looking forward to seeing how this year’s recipients go in their careers,” he said.

Development of the Industry Educational Trade Scholarship followed a review of industry skill requirements by AREMA and AMCA.

Following the review both organisations identified ways to upskill and prepare new and current trainees in commercial refrigeration and the air conditioning industry.

The program is supported by ARBS, which supports industry through its bi-annual trade exhibition and sponsorships.

The 2018 Industry Educational Trade Scholarship program will be launched in December.