Have your say on the future of HVAC&R qualifications

Comments

1. Steven Smith

   July 11, 2025

   The traditional one-size-fits-all four-year HVAC apprenticeship no longer reflects the diverse needs of today’s workforce or the evolving structure of the HVAC industry. Many young apprentices are deterred by the length and rigid format of the training, especially when modern technologies and diagnostic tools have simplified many tasks once considered complex. With a generation that values speed, flexibility, and relevance, there is a compelling case for a condensed two-year apprenticeship model that focuses on core skills, hands-on learning, and real-world readiness. Coupled with structured mentorship and targeted workplace exposure, this approach can accelerate competency without compromising safety or professionalism.

   Beyond this, the future of HVAC training should include modular, stackable “add-on” style certificates that allow workers to specialise in particular systems or capacities. For example, short courses could be designed for split systems under 30kW, chillers, VRF/VRV systems, refrigerated display cabinets, or specific compliance areas such as fire safety integration or controlled environments. These micro-credentials would not only allow technicians to qualify faster in core areas but also create pathways to upskill in targeted fields as needed. This approach aligns more closely with modern business models, where some companies focus purely on domestic DX systems, while others specialise in commercial chillers or refrigeration. By tailoring qualifications to real industry needs and job roles, we can create a more agile, efficient, and appealing pathway into the trades—one that directly addresses the critical skills shortage and modernises our workforce development.

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