The Kirby Apprentice Fund has completed the sixth round of its CO₂ Training Scholarship Program, providing nationally recognised certification to 20 fourth-year HVACR apprentices across Australia.
Participants received accreditation in CO₂ Safety and CO₂ System Repair and Service (UEERA0006 and UEERA0066) after completing training at the Beijer Ref Academy. The course was delivered by SCM REF AU and certified by the Superior Training Centre, with additional technical input from Appion, Supercool Group, Danfoss, and Copeland.
The scholarship program was supported by a range of employers from across Australia, including Value Added Engineering (QLD), Specific Refrigeration and Mechanical Services (VIC), Woolworths, Elite Refrigeration (QLD), Premiair Pty Ltd (VIC), Ultra Refrigeration (NSW), TSR Refrigeration (QLD), Award Refrigeration (NSW), Control Air (SA), Matthew Bedelph (TAS), Thermal Care (QLD), Mackie Electric & Refrigeration (NSW), Sims Refrigeration (SA and NT), TVHi (NSW), O’Connors (SA), Alpine Refrigeration (QLD), and ARA Mechanical Services Pty Ltd (NSW).
A total of 40 apprentices have completed the program in 2025. Funding and support for the initiative came from Kirby HVACR, ARBS Education and Research Foundation, ARC, Woolworths, Supercool Group, Danfoss, and Copeland.
Established in 2019, the Kirby Apprentice Fund aims to support apprentice development through training and equipment access. Kirby HVACR and Beijer Ref have confirmed plans to expand the program into 2026.
“Extremely beneficial course. Great equipment, company providing insight. Very knowledgeable teachers and a great learning environment,” said M. Stitz of Alpine Refrigeration.
