Australia's HVACR industry has been formally recognised for contributing to the Refrigeration and Climate Control Centre of Excellence (RCCC), located within Melbourne's $40 million Integrated Technology Hub at the Box Hill Institute.
Aimed at delivering best practice training to apprentices and post-trade students, the RCCC integrates an innovative POD (Professional Organisational Development) training delivery system with state-of-the-art heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) equipment.
Spanning several years, industry representatives were involved throughout the project’s development, beginning with conceptualisation, planning and design; through to the supply and installation of equipment; and even curriculum design.
Contractors were represented by the Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association (AMCA) executive director, Sumit Oberoi.
From the very start, Oberoi said the entire industry was committed to this project and getting the RCCC operational.
“Thanks to the generous support of industry, over 30 teaching PODs have been fitted with the latest refrigeration and air conditioning technologies, exposing students to industry best practice applications and providing Box Hill Institute with a dynamic and flexible training delivery mechanism,” Oberoi said.
“Importantly, the collaborative relationship shared by industry and Box Hill Institute means that future students will receive training outcomes that are better aligned with the needs of industry, and delivered by passionate teachers using innovative pedagogical practices”.