Page 26 - Climate Control News magazine Oct-Nov 2022

Review
A huge comeback,
THE RETURN OF ARBS 2022 WAS BIGGER THAN ANYONE EXPECTED.
AUSTRALIA’S ONLY INTERNA- TIONAL air conditioning, refrig- eration, and building
been impressive, but it is now evident to every- one in the industry that ARBS is more than an exhibition,” he said.
“It’s a connector and a celebration of a sector that is mission critical to the health and wellbe- ing of all Australians. I thank you all for joining me at this wonderful event and we look forward to returning to Sydney in 2024.”
A highlight on day one was a panel discussion chaired by Arnel on the industry’s hottest issues including the skills crisis and lack of visibility.
Arnel spelled out in no uncertain terms the challenges ahead for the HVACR sector.
Arnel described the pandemic years as a transformative time, and a period which has brought into focus the importance of environ- mental policy, health and well being.
He cited a PwC report that found 72 per cent of Australian employees now value health and wellness above all other workplace benefits, including remuneration.
“Our industry sits at the intersection of many trends that are reshaping the world. And yet, despite being central to the future of our nation, and indeed our planet, the HVACR sector
remains hidden from view... collectively we have to do a lot more to bring this industry into the spotlight,” Arnel said.
“As we all know as well, very alarmingly, we face a massive skills shortage at a time when we need more, not less talent across the economy.
“SKILLS FOR OUR SECTOR ARE IN THE SHORTEST SUPPLY OF ANY JOB CATEGORY.”
“Almost a third of Australian businesses are struggling to hire the right skills... but the HVACR sector’s situation is even more challenging.
“Skills for our sector are in the shortest supply of any job category. We cannot hire our way out of this problem. We need to work together to find fresh ways of attracting and retaining talent.”
worth the wait
services trade exhibition closed after a bumper three days in Melbourne, with total visitor numbers in
excess of 7,400.
Many exhibitors expected the event to be low
key post-COVID, instead it was a hive of activity.
There were more than 220 stands, product demonstrations and the seminar program.
Attendance at the seminar program was impressive with many sessions at full capacity. ARBS chair, Professor Tony Arnel, said the
2022 exhibition has once again exceeded expectations.
“The sheer size and scale of ARBS has always
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