The Kirby Apprentice Fund has celebrated it’s one year anniversary. The Fund accumulated $6,065 in donations with 83 HVACR apprentices registered over 63 companies.
The fund-raising efforts made by Kirby staff, customers and suppliers CPS, Supercool Group, Testo, Fieldpiece, HLP Controls, Danfoss, Emerson, Tesuco, Sauermann, VetoProPak and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, has enabled the fund to distribute inaugural packs containing trade tools, maintenance product, merchandise and literature valued over $450 each to every apprentice registered up to June 30, 2020.
South Australia and Northern Territory based Sims Refrigeration, was one business that embraced the Fund early and registered nine apprentices.
Owner of the business, David Sims, said the company showed support by purchasing Kirby t-shirts.
“Kirby is an active industry member having trained our technicians in CO2 systems technology, so it made sense to support them in this excellent initiative. I encourage all business owners to register their apprentices and support the Kirby Apprentice Fund,” he said.
Kirby developed the Kirby Apprentice Fund to support HVACR trade apprentices with easier access to trade tools and skills training.
CO2 systems training webinars and additional supplier product training will be conducted throughout the remainder of the year to enhance skill development.
Kirby communications lead, Elizabeth Paparo, said the effort made by all parties has resulted in a commendable contribution to strengthening the trade.
She said the recipient apprentices have shown gratitude for their packs that would not have been possible without the generosity of suppliers.
“Their willingness to be part of this initiative in tough economic times demonstrates their commitment to our industry apprentices,” Paparo said.
“Kirby looks forward continuing to build the Fund over the coming years.”