Kirby Funds CO2 Training for HVACR Apprentices Across Australia

Nationally accredited course highlights industry's shift toward natural refrigerants

The Kirby Apprentice Fund has completed its fifth CO2 training scholarship program, awarding 20 scholarships to fourth-year HVACR apprentices across Australia. The initiative reflects growing interest among young technicians to develop expertise in natural refrigerants, particularly CO₂, amid increasing sustainability demands in the HVACR sector.

The training was delivered at full capacity at the Beijer Ref Academy by SCM REF AU and the Superior Training Centre (RTO 41122), with additional system controls instruction provided by Copeland and Danfoss. The course, which previously won the 2024 ARBS Award for Most Outstanding Education and Training, is nationally accredited and focused on CO₂ Safety and CO₂ System Repair and Service.

The scholarship program was made possible through support from The ARBS Education & Research Foundation, SuperCool Group, Woolworths, and various listed suppliers. Notable contributors included the Australian Refrigeration Council, Sauermann Australasia, Testo Australia, Aspen Pumps Asia Pacific, and Veto Pro Pac.

The high volume of applications from across the country was described as unprecedented, highlighting both increased industry awareness of natural refrigerants and a strong desire among apprentices to upskill in this field.

“The success of this program demonstrates the industry’s collective commitment to equipping the next generation of technicians with the skills required to safely and effectively work with CO₂ systems,” said a spokesperson from the Kirby Apprentice Fund.