The Kirby Apprentice Fund has successfully delivered Round 6 of its CO₂ Training Scholarship Program.
The scholarships have provided a full class of 20 fourth-year apprentices with nationally recognised accreditation in CO₂ Safety and CO₂ System Repair and Service (UEERA0006 and UEERA0066).
Participants undertook award-winning, industry-leading training at the Beijer Ref Academy, delivered by SCM REF AU, certified by Superior Training Centre and further enriched by product and controls training from Appion, Supercool Group, Danfoss and Copeland.
Alpine Refrigeration technician Matthew Stilz, said it was an extremely beneficial course.
“Great equipment, very knowledgeable teachers and a great learning environment,” he said.
ARA Mechanical technician, Matthew Mutkins, said the course had a huge impact.
“All the instructors were very knowledgeable and passionate which made the learning experience very easy and enjoyable,” Mutkins said.
In 2025 alone, 40 HVACR apprentices have benefited from this scholarship program, made possible through the generous support of Kirby HVACR, ARBS Education and Research Foundation, ARC, Woolworths, Supercool Group, Danfoss, and Copeland.
Established in 2019, the Kirby Apprentice Fund was created to provide apprentices with tool support, training, and development opportunities they need to succeed.
Since then, it has become a cornerstone investment in the next generation of HVACR professionals, helping to close the CO2 technology skills gap and ensuring a strong and capable workforce for the future.
Special acknowledgement goes to the participating employers who supported their apprentices through this upskilling initiative, including Value Added Engineering QLD, Specific Refrigeration and Mechanical Services VIC, Woolworths, Elite Refrigeration QLD, Premiair Pty Ltd VIC, Ultra Refrigeration NSW, TSR Refrigeration QLD, Award Refrigeration NSW, Control Air SA, Matthew Bedelph TAS, Thermal Care QLD, Mackie Electric & Refrigeration NSW, Sims Refrigeration SA and NT, TVHi NSW, O’Connors SA, Alpine Refrigeration QLD, and ARA Mechanical Services Pty Ltd NSW.
All HVACR apprentices are encouraged to register at kirbyhvacr.com.au to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the Fund.