HVACR training and licensing update

The phase out of HFC refrigerants and transition to lower GWP alternatives that are often flammable is changing the training requirements for HVAC&R technicians. Future training requirements will also be affected by the imminent introduction of the Product Stewardship Scheme for refrigerants by the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) and the proposed licensing of refrigerant technicians the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE).   

The Strategic Leaders Forum (SLF), which is a group of senior leaders drawn from the HVAC&R sector, is working with Hanga-Aro-Rau (Workforce Development Council) to both review existing qualifications and to consider new qualifications targeted at future needs. The current framework of technician license classes and associated qualifications proposed by the SLF is summarized in Table 1 and 2. The framework is still being refined. For example, should refrigerated transport be a separate qualification or part of the general RAC qualification, and should the general RAC qualification have strands (e.g. specialisation in refrigeration or air-conditioning)?  The framework assumes that the MBIE licensing scheme is implemented and covers all refrigerants and all applications of refrigerants. A key focus of the SLF is on right-sizing qualifications to match the complexity of various roles within the HVAC&R sector, such that technicians will be competent, yet the training is not so arduous that it acts as a barrier to technicians entering the sector.

The SLF has also submitted to the Government about proposed changes to Vocational Education and Training including formation of Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) to replace Hanga-Aro-Rau and other functions.  The key is for the HVAC&R sector to be associated with an ISB that understands the sector and can best support the sector’s training needs.

The combination of the transition in refrigerants and the simultaneous restructuring of the training environment are providing both opportunities and challenges for the HVAC&R sector.  It is important that the sector is proactive about training to ensure that changes are put in place that will serve the interests of the sector well into the future.

Please send any feedback on the licensing and qualification framework to the Chair of the SLF, Don Cleland, by email to d.cleland@massey.ac.nz.