Vocational education and training (VET) has long been surrounded by negative perceptions. In a recent “What if” paper, VOCEDplus discusses what would happen if we could overcome these negative perceptions. The paper notes that societal perceptions of VET are influenced by a variety of factors, including the terminology surrounding vocational training versus higher education. VET […]
Two new units of competency are being added to the Electrotechnology Training Package. The technical advisory committees (TACs) have now considered all stakeholder feedback and the draft materials are available for final validation to ensure they meet industry needs. The unit UEERA999Y Inspect, test and repair fire and smoke control features of mechanical services systems […]
A group of educators around the country are proposing a collaborative approach to implementing the new refrigeration and air conditioning training package. If successful, it would constitute a first within Australia’s vocational education sector. The new version of the Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration trade course, UEE32220, was recently endorsed for national use. […]
Australian Industry Standards (AIS) is coordinating an update of the national electrotechnology training package and has made the draft materials available for final comments. The electrotechnology training package includes the materials used to teach refrigeration and air conditioning throughout Australia. It has undergone some important changes. Three units have been restructured so that students get […]
TAFE Queensland has opened a new high-tech training hub at its Ashmore campus. The fit-out, which cost $1.5 million, boasts state-of-the-art equipment and will benefit more than 1,200 electrical and air conditioning and refrigeration students. The hub has eight coldrooms, including two with freezer room options. There is a practical workshop area, a hybrid practical […]
A new HVAC Centre of Excellence at Holmesglen’s Chadstone campus was officially launched by the Victorian Skills Commissioner Neil Coulson on May 28. The launch was attended by around 100 guests from the HVAC and associated industries, including the organisations who supported the centre. The facility is a collaborative partnership between Holmesglen and the Air […]
To celebrate World Refrigeration Day on June 26, Woolworths is throwing open the plant room doors at two of its most technically advanced supermarkets and inviting the public to look around. The open day, supported by RACCA, AIRAH and RMIT, is open to anyone interested in getting a look at the inner workings of supermarket […]
The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) that has been working on the Electrotechnology Training Package Review project has prepared draft materials and is now looking for industry feedback. As reported previously, the project is an extension of the UEE11 Electrotechnology Training Package Transition Project. The transition and review of the training package is […]
The Victorian Department of Industry and Training has granted nearly $2,000,000 toward improving skills and education opportunities in the refrigeration industry. GOTAFE, Bendigo Kangan Institute and industry representatives CA Group Services applied for funding to complete a number of projects. And on March 15, the Hon. Gayle Tierney, Minister for Training and Skills, and Higher […]
Queensland refrigeration apprentice Patrick Brennan has taken the gold medal at the WorldSkills Global Skills Challenge held in Melbourne last weekend. The competition covered not just refrigeration, but more than 20 other skill categories, from bricklaying to baking. It brought together 500 competitors and officials from 15 different countries and was hosted in several Victorian […]