CPD is a good thing

Accessible to all technicians in New Zealand, IRHACE’s CPD Programme is flexible and covers a broad range of topics

There is an increased need for CPD (Continuing Professional Learning) points as compliance grows across the HVAC&R industry, and maintaining a set number of points is required to keep certifications and qualifications current.

In Australia, Victoria’s Department of Transport and Planning is aiming to introduce mandatory CPD for fridgies in 2025. It is developing a framework that will require HVAC&R technicians – as well as other building practitioners and plumbers – to meet CPD requirements.

In Victoria, HVAC&R work is regulated under plumbing regulations, so the changes will cover refrigerated air conditioning and mechanical services licence-holders. The framework aims to improve confidence in the community that all practitioners are competent in their work by ensuring they maintain and develop their professional knowledge and skills. The plan is for this to roll out in Victoria in 2025 and involve six hours of CPD training per year.

Tammy Stagg of Mick’s Air-Conditioning Services in Gracemere near Rockhampton, Queensland, says that as a primary school teacher in an earlier life – and now studying accounting – she is well aware of CPD and its implications across sectors.

“For anyone truly serious about working in this industry, then most will take part in opportunities to be up to date with current technologies and legislation. For us, it’s a major part of our business to take part in manufacturer training opportunities, trade nights, and reading industry publications so that we are up to date and provide the best service possible to our clients,” she says.

CPD opportunities are unlikely to be consistent from year to year, Tammy points out. “This makes it difficult to put a timeframe on CPD. So maybe instead of restricting to a 12-month quota, expand it to a two- or three-year requirement and include a vast array of opportunities.”

From her perspective, mandatory CPD would need to offer flexible regulations and recognise the inherent differences between industries and individual positions.

“The industry is very broad and not all tradies would require the same types of training. For instance, those in the commercial refrigeration sector would be working with different information and technology to those in the domestic air conditioning sector.”

It would also need to be accessible to everyone, she says. “Not everyone in rural and remote areas can access training in Brisbane or other metropolitan areas. Being in a regional centre this is something that we’ve found over the years. With short notice and long distances, quite often we just have to say, ‘no, sorry, we can’t make it’.”

IRHACE CPD Programme

Thankfully, in New Zealand, the IRHACE CPD Programme already does just that – it is flexible and accessible.

For IRHACE professional members (Level 4 NZQA or RPL Member by Experience), there is a knowledge area and technical discussions. Should a M.IRHACE sit or attend an activity that they believe fits with their position and part of industry, they can apply to have this recognised as a CPD activity.

Technical discussions are also included in the programme, and those that participate are allocated points.

We also recognise our suppliers and manufacturers training as it is quite relevant in technology and new areas of the HVAC&R industry.