Discussing the future of HVAC&R skills training

Last week, the AIRAH board and I joined our Tasmanian committee for a visit to the TasTAFE Water and Energy Trades (WET) Centre of Excellence at the Clarence Campus in Hobart.

The visit gave us the chance to explore this excellent new training centre, which opened in July 2023. It also presented an opportunity to discuss the current landscape of trade training. 

We extend our thanks to TasTAFE for facilitating this opportunity.

World-class facilities

The centre, a $27 million investment by the Tasmanian and Australian governments with industry support, spans over 5,000m² across two levels. It features state-of-the-art facilities, including a three-storey plumbing stack and a 30x10m sandpit, designed to replicate the inner workings of multi-storey buildings.

These features provide students with practical, hands-on experience in plumbing, electrotechnology, air conditioning, refrigeration, and emerging renewable energy sectors.  

The centre’s integrated model exemplifies the potential of coordinated training environments. 

Nevertheless, significant challenges persist. While many issues affect all trades – such as curriculum relevance and resource allocation – others are specific to refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC). Notably, the RAC trade continues to struggle with visibility and public awareness, and in some instances, there is a shortage of dedicated teaching staff. 

The future of training

Trade training through TAFE remains a foundational pathway for workforce development. However, curricula must evolve to reflect technological advancements and ecological considerations.

For example, as Australia moves toward decarbonisation, there is an increasing demand for training in heat pump systems, which are fast becoming the dominant technology for residential and commercial heating and cooling.

Industry input

A key takeaway from our visit is the imperative for enhanced industry involvement in shaping training programs. Active collaboration among stakeholders is essential to ensure that training aligns with current and future industry needs. 

AIRAH is committed to advocating for the advancement and recognition of the RAC trade. We are engaging in conversations with the Tasmanian regulator about strengthening the licensing framework, and we are building a strong relationship between TasTAFE and our local division committee. We look forward to continued collaboration between the government, TAFE and industry to address these challenges and support the development of a skilled and adaptable workforce. 

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