While the fundamentals of refrigeration and air conditioning are important, Daikin believes the industry must modernise training to keep pace with technological change.
As heating and cooling systems become more intelligent and integrated into building management, the technicians of tomorrow will require a new blend of skills that combines hands-on experience with an understanding of data and technology.
In response, Daikin is strengthening its long-term commitment to workforce development through its Apprentice Technician and Graduate Engineer programs.
The initiatives are designed to equip the next generation of technicians and engineers with the skills required for an increasingly digital and connected industry.
With training programs embedded across the business, these pathways are designed to expose participants to the full breadth of the organisation.
Together, they aim not only to address today’s talent gaps, but to prepare the industry for what comes next.
Daikin’s director of human resources, Corporate Affairs and Service, Ian Hurley said developing skilled people isn’t just a workforce issue, it’s an industry responsibility.
“As an industry leader, we have an obligation to contribute back and help shape the future of HVAC in Australia,” Hurley said.
Delivered through Daikin’s purpose-built training academies across Australia, the Apprentice Technician and Graduate Engineer programs integrate formal trade learning with extensive in-house training led by Daikin-certified instructors.
Participants gain hands-on experience with the latest HVAC technologies, diagnostics tools and digitally enabled systems, ensuring they develop both strong mechanical foundations and the digital skills now required on modern sites.
Rather than focusing on scale, the program prioritises quality outcomes. With systems becoming more complex and digitally enabled, technicians are increasingly required to diagnose issues using data, controls and software, alongside practical mechanical skills.
“Our focus is on developing exceptional tradespeople. As the industry rapidly changes, we need technicians that are as comfortable with data, controls and diagnostics as they are with tools,” Hurley said.
By exposing apprentices to real-world systems in controlled training environments, the program helps bridge the gap between foundational learning and on-site application, supporting a smoother transition into the workforce.
A call to modernise now Daikin is urging the HVAC sector to reassess how education models are designed and delivered, and the organisation believes the opportunity to act is immediate.
As systems become more connected and data-enabled, digital capability is no longer optional but fundamental to how the industry operates.
“Skills development must be better aligned with the technologies that will define the next decade of work,” Hurley said.
“This capability is essential to maintaining safety standards, meeting compliance obligations and delivering the level of performance customers increasingly expect.
“The future is already taking shape across our industry. The real question is whether our workforce is being equipped to keep pace with it.
“We have a clear opportunity to prepare people for a more advanced, more connected and more intelligent HVAC environment,” he said.
“That responsibility is shared, and it requires action now.”
For the team at Daikin, investment in digital literacy, systems understanding and technology-led problem solving must sit alongside traditional technical training if the industry is to remain resilient and competitive.
Applications for Daikin’s Graduate Engineer program open in May 2026, with the Apprentice Technician intake commencing in September 2026. Learn more at https://www.daikin.com.au/