Page 7 - Climate Control News Dec-Jan 21

News
The dual trade can be completed in five years, instead of eight.
Proposal to combine RAC/electrical trades
TRADIES HAVE RAISED concerns about a South Australian govern- ment proposal to introduce a dual trade combining electrical skills with refrigeration and air conditioning qualifications.
Technicians told CCN there are plenty of examples in other states where plumbing and electrical trades have dominated with very little rec- ognition given to RAC.
Under the proposal, prospective electrical refrigeration technicians will complete both electrical and refrigeration/air conditioning qualifications concurrently.
The State Government’s Training and Skills Commission is acting on industry feedback to introduce this new dual trade pathway.
An Australian first, this new trade was devel- oped in consultation with the SA/NT chapter of the National Electrical and Communications As- sociation (NECA), and addresses demand for broader skill sets in this specialised industry.
Minister for Innovation and Skills, David Pisoni, said the qualification sets a new bench- mark in Australia for the delivery of trade qualifications in two disciplines, and estab- lishes a pilot model for additional dual trade pathways in the future.
“For some time now the refrigeration and air-
Minister for Innovation and Skills, David Pisoni.
conditioning sector has reported a shortage of electrical refrigeration technicians who are fully skilled and licensed in both the electrical and refrigeration trades,” he said.
“Despite both qualifications being in demand, until now the only way to resolve this issue was by people com-
pleting two apprenticeships – a pathway that can take up to eight years.
“Through concurrent delivery of the training, it is intended that the dual trade qualification can be achieved in just five years, making the new apprenticeship attractive to both employees and employers.”
NECA’s executive director, Larry Moore, said the dual trade pathway would address demand for broader skills sets in the industry providing greater efficiencies and productivity for industry.
“We’ve worked closely with the State Govern- ment to develop this dual trade apprenticeship, and we’re excited to see this implemented so that our members can benefit from having mul- tiskilled workers to grow their businesses,” Moore said.
A pilot project will be established during the first stage of implementation, with a small num- ber of apprentices commencing in early 2021.
CLIMATE CONTROL NEWS
DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021
RRA triples rebate for recovered refrigerant
REFRIGERANT RECLAIM AUSTRALIA
(RRA) is more than tripling the rebate offered for recovered ozone depleting and synthetic greenhouse gas refrigerant from January 1, 2021.
Launching the Gas Seeker Initiative, RRA general manager, Kylie Farrelley, said the rebate will increase from $3 per kg to $10 to give back to the industry.
The offer officially ends on June 30, 2021.
“We recognise that 2020 has been a chal- lenging year. We want to do what we can to help and have been looking at ways that we can support the HVAC&R community,” Farrelley said.
“The Gas Seeker Initiative will do just that. By increasing the rebate during this period, we will further reward those who recover refrigerant and hope that individuals and businesses will use this as an opportunity to get rid of any stored unwanted refrigerant.
"We’re encouraging everyone to make the most of the Gas Seeker Initiative while they can, as it is only available for a limited time.”
Simply return recovered refrigerant to your local gas supplier and collect your $10/kg.
Farrelley said the Australian HVAC&R community should be commended for their recovery efforts. “As an industry, we have pre- vented the emission of between 800,000 and 1 million tonnes of CO2e annually,” she said.
“That’s the equivalent of taking 400,000 vehicles off our roads each year. Together we can still do more.”
Limitations and T&C’s apply. Visit: www.refrigerantreclaim.com.au or email info@refrigerantreclaim.com.au
RRA general manager, Kylie Farrelley.
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