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There has been plenty of good news on the economic front in recent weeks with the world's biggest air conditioning brands committing to the Australian market and construction activity about to reach a decade high.

Fujitsu General is investing in its national headquarters in Sydney's west while at the same time opening an air conditioning centre in Brisbane for customers to plan with clients and check out its latest suite of products.

With so much activity forecast for the local market in coming years the big question is this: can the HVACR industry keep pace? Do we have enough technicians and engineers to support such a booming market?

The answer is a long, silent pause and that's only because we have so much work to do.

Thankfully, 2018 is the year that huge strides are being taken to really make a difference.

There are a range of reviews underway that will adress many of the challenges facing the HVACR industry today. For example, the current training review to tackle upskilling and strengthening different areas of the HVACR job market is moving in the right direction.

It will lead to improved apprenticeship models and better post-trade training.

The average age of workers in this industry is 39 with 24 per cent of the workforce over 50. This means the loss of key skills from retiring workers will put a serious strain on the industry if we don't get more apprenticeships and attract a lot more young people to the industry.

It's clear that the role of this industry and its influence is growing every year.

Climate control matters, even if others are only now starting to realise its significance. We really are at a turning point, one where the industry is beginning to get the recognition it deserves.

Step aside plumbers and electricians it's time to make way for a new specialist, an expert with a unique set of skills, that's right it's time for industry to showcase a little climate control magic.

It's showtime!