An Australian manufacturer of air handling units, G J Walker Pty Ltd, has become the first company to pledge financial support for the education and research goals of the ARBS Foundation.
The foundation board of directors has committed a minimum $50,000 in each of the next three years to support education and research programs for the industry.
ARBS executive officer, David Eynon, said support from the industry will be critical to the work of the Foundation.
"G J Walker Pty Ltd is to be congratulated for taking a lead role to secure the future of the industry’s skills base,” he said.
"Critical to the future productivity of the industry is the education and training of the people who work in it. This is true of tradespeople, tertiary educated people and everyone in between."
Earlier this month the Foundation invited students studying in commercial refrigeration and air conditioning through TAFE to apply for the Industry Educational Trade Scholarship.
The scholarship is a joint initiative between the Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association (AMCA), the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturers Association of Australia (AREMA) and the ARBS Foundation.
The scholarship will provide $6,000 towards a two week residential course at the Refrigeration and Climate Control Centre of Excellence (RCCC) at Box Hill in June-July and September.
Of the $6,000, up to $1,500 will be provided for travel and accommodation.
Initially, scholarships will be awarded to five students and five trade teachers (who support their respective student) across Australia. Nominations close on April 29, 2016 and successful nominees will be announced next month.
In March, the ARBS Education and Research Foundation announced its first round of research grant applications for industry. The board identified three priority areas for study and research: Solar power and HVAC; Intelligent building controls and; Indoor environmental quality.
Applications close on April 30, 2016. Details at www.arbsfoundation.com.au