Kirby Apprentice Fund Awards CO2 Training Scholarships

The Kirby Apprentice Fund is set to kick off its 4th apprentice scholarship program in October 2024. As part of its ongoing commitment to support industry apprentices and enhance the technical skills within the HVAC&R sector, the fund has awarded 15 CO2 training scholarships to 4th-year HVAC&R apprentices across Australia.

The recipients of these scholarships will engage in nationally accredited training to gain proficiency in the safe handling of CO2 and the repair and servicing of CO2 refrigeration systems. This initiative is designed to help the apprentices acquire competencies that align with the growing use of CO2 systems in the industry.

The following technicians have been awarded a scholarship: Nicholas Bakopoulos-Cooke (NSW), Jacob Kuhn (QLD), Jake Dixson (VIC), Amy Murray (QLD), Mitch Hart (VIC), James Russell (VIC), Sean Gregory (VIC), Samuel Appleby (NSW), Janamdeep Singh (SA), Caillean Byrne (QLD), Dylan Clark (QLD), Tyson Iredale (WA) Daniel De Angelis (VIC), Laura Mackenzie-Stirling (TAS), and Blair Goldburg (QLD).

Beijer Ref Marketing Manager Elizabeth Paparo highlighted that scholarship awards were based on merit. "Some of the apprentices have already had exposure to CO2 refrigeration systems while others have not. However, all recipients recognize the value in upskilling and preparing for a future where CO2 systems will be more prevalent across the industry."

To expand the program, industry customers and suppliers were invited to ‘sponsor an apprentice’. Generous contributions from Copeland, Danfoss, Woolworths, SuperCool Group, Testo, Aspen, and Sauerman have made this the largest cohort to date.

Additionally, the program now includes an extra training day covering refrigeration control systems, refrigerants, and the refrigerants phasedown process. Upon completing their apprenticeships and achieving CO2 accreditation, technicians also earn ARC Green Scheme Accreditation sponsored by the Australian Refrigeration Council.

In May 2024, this CO2 Safety, System Repair, and Service course delivered by SCM REF Australia and Superior Training Centre (RTO 41122 CRICOS Provider Number 03591C), as part of the scholarship program, was awarded Most Outstanding Education/Training at the ARBS Industry Awards.