Page 2
Tag: apprentices
-
Woolworths opens refrigeration apprenticeship program
Woolworths has opened applications across five states for its 2021 refrigeration apprenticeship program, including New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. The four-year program offers the selected apprentice refrigeration technicians the opportunity to gain experience with the latest global refrigeration technologies. Woolworths says its refrigeration systems are at the forefront of technology. […]
-
RAC company fined $150,000 after apprentice injured
A Sydney-based refrigeration and air conditioning company has been fined $150,000 after one of its apprentice workers suffered serious injury from an arc flash explosion at a Sydney KFC in 2017. Ultra Refrigeration Pty Limited was investigated by SafeWork NSW and found guilty of breaching the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 in the NSW […]
-
Female apprentice steps into a cool career
Brisbane resident Stephanie Peters has become the first female air conditioning and refrigeration apprentice to be hired by Broadcast Services Australia (BSA) in Queensland, a national technical services company. Peters herself admits she took a more conventional path before deciding to apply for her apprenticeship at TAFE Queensland. “In high school it was really drilled into us […]
-
New training units reach validation stage
Two new units of competency are being added to the Electrotechnology Training Package. The technical advisory committees (TACs) have now considered all stakeholder feedback and the draft materials are available for final validation to ensure they meet industry needs. The unit UEERA999Y Inspect, test and repair fire and smoke control features of mechanical services systems […]
-
Government extends apprentice wage subsidy
The federal government is extending its Boosting Apprenticeship Commencement subsidy scheme for 12 months until September 30, 2021. The program, which covers 50 per cent of wages paid to new or recommencing apprentices, has been embraced by businesses. The government says it is has helped create 100,000 apprenticeships in less than five months. “Growing our […]
-
The Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants are back
The 2021 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants (RAPG 2021) program is now inviting applicants to win $30,000 worth of grants. Now into its ninth year, the program was established to help ease the financial strain felt by many apprentice plumbers, and to invest in the skills of future plumbers and provide assistance so that they can […]
-
Call for RAC subject matter experts
Although a new national training package for refrigeration and air conditioning has just been released, work is already starting on the next iteration. Two new units will be developed on variable refrigerant flow systems, and fire and smoke control systems. Australian Industry Standards (AIS) is looking for subject matter experts to help review and develop […]
-
Apprentices and trainees receive $2.5bn boost
The federal government has announced a new $2.5bn package to support training and job creation, and to help the economy recover from the impact of COVID-19. The bulk of the funding will go towards extending and expanding the Supporting Apprentices and Trainees (SAT) wage subsidy. This program pays 50 per cent of an apprentice’s wages, […]
-
Woolworths launches 2020 apprenticeship program
Woolworths has announced new refrigeration apprenticeships in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. The selected apprentice refrigeration technicians will join Woolworths’ Format Development team in a four-year apprenticeship program. Benefits include: Exposure to the latest refrigeration technologies, ongoing support and training Joining one of Australia’s largest refrigeration employers, with a focus on safety and customers […]
-
Apprentices hammered by COVID-19 crisis
Industry is calling for urgent government measures as Australian apprentice numbers plummet due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the National Australian Apprenticeship Association (NAAA), about 5.5 per cent of apprentices and trainees have been suspended or cancelled since March 1. National employer association the Ai Group says that apprentice commencements are down 60 per […]
-
RAC apprentices on hold for driving licences
The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) is calling for refrigeration and air conditioning apprentices to be prioritised among those waiting for driver licence tests. In Victoria, COVID-19 restrictions have led to the suspension of driver’s licence testing in Victoria, resulting in a backlog of almost 30,000 applicants. This includes refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) trade apprentices, […]
-
RRA launches augmented reality app
Refrigerant Reclaim Australia (RRA) has released a series of new digital training resources that provide an innovative and hands-on way for apprentices to understand the refrigerant recovery processes for various types of equipment. “The processes for recovering refrigerant, pressure testing, evacuating and re-charging systems are critical for both upholding industry best practice and reducing the […]
-
$1.3bn coronavirus aid package for apprentices
The government has committed $1.3bn in wage subsidies to help small businesses retain apprentices displaced by the coronavirus downturn. As part of Australia’s COVID-19 response, the subsidies will support small businesses with funding of up to $21,000 ($7,000 per quarter) for every apprentice. The intention is to help small businesses get back on track after […]
-
Apprentices get a $4K boost
The Australian government is offering small businesses up to $4,000 in an attempt to address industry skills shortages. The Additional Identified Skills Shortage (AISS) package offers up to $4,000 to eligible employers in small businesses, and $2,000 to new apprentices commencing a Certificate III or IV qualification on or after July 1, 2019. Air conditioning […]
-
Best of the West: 2019 WA award winners
The 2019 winners of the West Australian Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Awards have been announced. A record crowd of more than 350 attendees came together at the new Westin Hotel Grand Ballroom in Perth. Adding a touch of history to proceedings, the venue stands on the same site where sponsor Baker Air Conditioning opened its […]
-
Last chance to review training package
Australian Industry Standards (AIS) is coordinating an update of the national electrotechnology training package and has made the draft materials available for final comments. The electrotechnology training package includes the materials used to teach refrigeration and air conditioning throughout Australia. It has undergone some important changes. Three units have been restructured so that students get […]
-
Shape the future of Standards Australia
Standards Australia (SA) is working towards making its content more accessible to stakeholders and users, and is seeking input on how it distributes content. As part of this process it has released a Distribution and Licensing Policy Discussion Paper that is open for review. SA entered into a new distribution agreement with Techstreet recently, after a ruling that SAI […]
-
TAFE Queensland opens new training hub
TAFE Queensland has opened a new high-tech training hub at its Ashmore campus. The fit-out, which cost $1.5 million, boasts state-of-the-art equipment and will benefit more than 1,200 electrical and air conditioning and refrigeration students. The hub has eight coldrooms, including two with freezer room options. There is a practical workshop area, a hybrid practical […]
-
Welcome to our plant room says Woolies
To celebrate World Refrigeration Day on June 26, Woolworths is throwing open the plant room doors at two of its most technically advanced supermarkets and inviting the public to look around. The open day, supported by RACCA, AIRAH and RMIT, is open to anyone interested in getting a look at the inner workings of supermarket […]
-
Untangling industry training
The Australian training package for electrotechnology – including refrigeration and air conditioning – is under review. Revised units are now available for public feedback. The project was originally intended to be a straightforward “transition” to reorganise the material in line with the Standards for Training Packages 2012 format. But it soon became apparent that the […]