AIRAH brings new smarts to HVAC&R training for non-specialists

AIRAH has revamped its Air Conditioning 101 course, incorporating the latest features of online training. In doing so it has reinforced its place as a peak provider of continuing professional development for the HVAC&R industry. For several years AIRAH’s Air Conditioning 101 online course has provided participants with a fundamental understanding of how air conditioning and ventilation works in buildings, and familiarised them with HVAC&R’s language and specialist terms. Now the course has been updated to take advantage of the latest online training technology, as well as developments in the industry. “When it comes to training and education, it’s natural to focus on the technical, specialist audience,” says AIRAH CEO Tony Gleeson, M.AIRAH. “But our industry also contains a large cohort of workers in vital support roles who don’t necessarily have an engineering or trade training background. They can benefit enormously from learning the concepts and terminology that underpin HVAC&R.” The course uses animation to help explain HVAC&R concepts, in-course games to help motivate students, and a self-test framework to measure progress. Options for further reading are also provided. At completion, a course summary can be downloaded as a useful reference. AIRAH editor/staff writer and HVAC&R newbie Mark Vender was one of the first to try the revamped Air Conditioning 101 course, and says it is a great way to come to the grips with the basics. “The course contains images and animations showing different forms of heating and cooling,” he says. “The quizzes and background information about different aspects of the industry and the history of HVAC&R were engaging and fun, too. “For someone who is working in the industry in an ancillary role – for example sales, finance or IT – who doesn’t have an HVAC&R background, it’s invaluable.” The course runs online and can be started at any time. It takes about four to six hours, and must be completed within a one-month period. For more information about Air Conditioning 101, go to www.airah.org.au.