The Kirby Apprentice Fund has delivered its 2026 CO2 Training Scholarship Program, marking a milestone for the initiative. According to Kirby, the fund and Kirby HVAC&R have now supported the upskilling of more than 100 apprentices in CO2 Safety and CO2 System Repair and Service through the program.
The training was delivered in partnership with SCM REF Australia, Superior Training Centre (RTO ID 41122 | CRICOS Provider 03591C) and Beijer Ref Academy. Kirby said the milestone reflects progress in building skills for work on CO2 systems across the HVAC&R industry.
“As CO2 technology continues to become more widely adopted across commercial refrigeration applications, building a pipeline of technicians with the skills and confidence to work safely and effectively with these systems is critical,” said Elizabeth Paparo, Marketing Manager at Kirby. “By investing in apprentice training today, the program is helping to support the future growth of CO2 technology and ensuring the industry has the capability to meet increasing demand in the years ahead.”
Kirby also congratulated employers that supported apprentices to attend the program, including Australian Refrigeration Services, Faircloth & Reynolds, Frigtech Services WA, Mackie Electric & Refrigeration, Nexus Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning, Peak Group Services, RS Air and Refrigeration, Southern Air Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Specialised Refrigeration Services, Tritech Refrigeration, TVHi, Van Eerde Airconditioning and Refrigeration, and Woolworths Supermarkets.
The company also thanked Appion Tools, Copeland, Danfoss and Sauermann Australasia for their involvement in the program and for sharing their expertise with participating apprentices.