Program to ensure HVACR is no accidental career choice

Australia finally has its very own HVACR Graduate Training Program (GTP), a course that has been years in the making, according to the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH).
Early-bird registrations have opened for the course which covers essential HVACR knowledge for graduates who are employed in consulting or contracting firms but have had little exposure to the HVACR industry before leaving university and joining the workforce. 
AIRAH CEO, Phil Wilkinson, said the program represents one of the Institute's biggest undertakings to date.
“AIRAH’s new GTP will provide graduate mechanical engineers with comprehensive, practical HVACR training in a building services environment,” he said.
“To say this initiative is one of the most exciting developments in our industry training in years is no understatement.
“Many engineers, including myself, more or less stumble upon HVACR engineering almost by accident after they graduate from a university course that might only provide a very basic introduction.
“Now with AIRAH’s GTP there will be a comprehensive introduction to an industry that – although largely hidden from the general public – happens to be pivotal to our society’s health, and is full of exciting career opportunities for those who work in it.”
AIRAH program and learning manager Mel O’Mara said the GTP comprises 100 hours of online content, with subject topics divided into four key areas: Fundamentals; Equipment and Components; Systems; and Practice and Performance.
There is a face-to-face, live-in component at the start, which will serve to introduce the course participants to the GTP and to each other. The course proper will run for about nine months, separated into two semesters.
“The GTP will connect graduates with industry leaders via a blended learning experience,” O’Mara said.“It’s designed to allow graduates to build knowledge early in their career and to work more independently on projects than might otherwise be the case.”
O'Mara said the course will also help companies provide a strong induction experience for their new graduates into the HVACR industry.
“It will help participants to acquire the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to succeed as HVAC&R professionals,” she said.
“The GTP is also appropriate for those looking to change careers.”
The early-bird rate for the GTP is $5,390. The full price is $6,050.
To register, go to www.airah.org.au/GTP