Today's training regime for apprentices is more demanding than ever with students crammed with information covering every aspect of the trade.
This is the despite the fact that most apprentices today are working on a limited range of equipment.
Speaking at a session on the Modern Technician at ARBS 2018, Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) training manager, Noel Munkman, said that instead of working on a range of systems, apprentices may only work on chillers or air conditioning.
“This is because the industry is becoming more specialised,” he said. And it certainly isn't getting any easier with an ever growing mix of new refrigerant types, components and controls.
“Apprentices need a good understanding of the core skills of the trade.”
Munkman is actively involved in the current training review to ensure Cert III is meeting the needs of industry.
“We are trying to create a new template but the process has stalled because industry cannot reach a consensus,” he said.
“Industry is also in need of more post-trade training pathways.”
Head RAC teacher at Sydney West TAFE, Stephen Smith, said small business operators employ the largest number of apprentices but usually specialise in a small segment of the market.
“This is why apprentices are forced to work in one small area of the industry like residential air conditioning,” he said.
“Out of 400 students I only have seven working in commercial refrigeration.”
Smith went on to talk about the phenomenal drop-out rate for apprentices.
“I believe the trade is in jeopardy, I don't know where the workforce of the future will come from,” he said.
“Apprentices continue to be in rapid decline partly because apprenticeships are no longer valued.”
AMCA executive manager of training and development, Laura Steedman, pointed to research showing that in the last 12 months 71 per cent of employers struggled to recruit technicians.
“This is why industry needs to act now,” she said.
Steps to address all of these issues impacting the RAC trade will be covered at CCN Live's half day event "Breaking Boundaries" which will be held at the Arts Centre in Melbourne on October 11, 2018.