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1 QBCC SAYS CHECK YOUR LICENCE
refrigeration trades,” says Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni. “Despite both qualifications being in demand, until now the only way to resolve this issue was by people completing two apprenticeships – a pathway that can take up to eight years.
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) is alerting employees who perform air conditioning and refrigeration work for a licensed contractor that they must hold the relevant mechanical services occupational licence by January 1, 2022.
“Through concurrent delivery of the training, it is intended that the dual‑trade qualification can be achieved in just five years, making the new apprenticeship attractive to both employees and employers.”
Under the new licensing framework, the threshold value of mechanical services work has been reduced to zero. This means the performance of any mechanical services work requires the appropriate licence.
A pilot project will be established during the first stage of implementation, with a small number of apprentices starting in early 2021. ■
The new framework also includes a single occupational licence for employees who perform RAC work for a licensed contractor. Employees must hold the occupational licence by January 1, 2022.
3 BEIJER BOOSTS LOCAL MANUFACTURING
“If you are an employee, we encourage you to review the technical qualifications now to ensure you have the required qualifications in time to be licensed by January 1, 2022,” says the QBCC.
Beijer Ref in Australia has announced the formation of SCM REF Australia, a Sydney-based OEM to service the Australian refrigeration industry.
“Although the deadline seems a long way off, we encourage you to review the licensing requirements now to ensure you will have the required qualifications in time. Any additional training that is needed should be considered as soon as possible.” Go to: www.qbcc.qld.gov.au ■
2 DUAL-TRADE PILOT IN SA Apprentices in South Australia will soon be able to complete both electrical and RAC qualifications concurrently, thanks to a new program.
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HVAC&R Nation
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www.airah.org.au/nation
AIRAH cracked the champagne after winning the Outstanding Industry Education/Training Award for our Professional Diploma in Building Services – HVAC&R. Chris Stamatis, Affil.AIRAH, from CopperTree Analytics took away the ARBS Young Achiever Award. Bueno and Woolworths won the ARBS Project Excellence Award for their work on the Woolworths Energy Management Centre. Actrol scored the ARBS Product Excellence Award for its DC-3 Smart Refrigeration System. And Bueno took home another gong for its Bueno Platform in the Software/Digital Excellence category.
A sales team led by Inderpal Saund and supported in the field by Douglas Herkess, Jason Pearce, Affil.AIRAH, and Andrew Galliano, Affil.AIRAH, will continue to build on the natural refrigerant system work already done within the local retail sector and apply an increased focus on the broader commercial and industrial refrigeration markets.
5 SEMINAR SESSIONS ON NOW
Go to www.beijerref.com.au ■ |
“Leading a business or product to success is a remarkable endeavour, which is why we are proud to showcase the dedication and expertise of our deserving award winners,” says Sue Falcke, ARBS exhibition manager.
Finally, ARBS also announced the Hall of Fame inductees for 2020: Mike Garton (CIBSE ANZ), Alan Channells (AREMA), Steve Smith (RACCA), John Mott, F.AIRAH (AIRAH), and Michael Crook (AMCA).
The SCM REF Australia manufacturing operations will be located at the new Australian Beijer Ref headquarters at Bankstown Airport, Sydney and will be headed by director of operations, Paul Campbell. The facility will be operational Q1, 2021.
“For some time now the refrigeration and air conditioning sector has reported a shortage of electrical refrigeration technicians who are fully skilled and licensed in both the electrical and
Back in October, ARBS announced the winners of the ARBS 2020 Industry Awards in a gala online ceremony.
“The investment is a significant injection into the Australian refrigeration industry and allows us to strengthen our manufacturing capability, including our natural refrigerants offer to local customers,” says Wayne Ferguson, managing director for Beijer Ref in Australia.
Beijer Ref says the business remains committed to locally manufactured customised solutions, with SCM REF Australia able to assist customers meet their unique project requirements.
The Electrical, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician apprenticeship will run for five years. At the end of the program, graduates will have a UEE32211 Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration and the UEE30811 Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician.
4 ARBS HANDS OUT AWARDS
Summer 2020
Go to www.arbs.com.au/arbs-2020-awards/ ■
Although the big show couldn’t be held this year, ARBS has converted its usual seminar series into online seminars featuring leaders, academics, organisations, associations and experts in the HVAC&R and building services industry. The ARBS Seminar Series Online started in November and goes into December. A small registration fee applies to selected sessions. Topics include using IoT solutions for monitoring refrigeration systems, energy efficiency of ammonia systems, and standardised digital engineering. “We are thrilled to launch this online format to share the latest news and those who continue to drive innovation and the flow
