Independent Review into HVACR Training Update

Conducting this review was notable for the engagement of industry and the number of people who gave generously of their time and experience. There's a real desire to make positive change, and it's a real pleasure to learn from experts and help build a solution to support improved training and qualifications for refrigeration.

In late 2023, the Independent Review of Refrigerant Sector Training evaluated the state of play for refrigerant training, looking at types of training, training providers, crown agencies involved in training and employers themselves. A combination of research, interviews, and stakeholder workshops led to a set of five findings:

1. Training breadth and depth are insufficient for industry needs and safe refrigerant handling

2. The increasing replacement of synthetic with natural refrigerants creates increased risk of workplace harm

3. Progress in implementing mandatory training frameworks is lagging refrigerant use

4. Sector participants are aligned in seeking improvement to the current state

5. The swiftest move to a bespoke and responsive training portfolio will likely come from adapting significant elements of the Australian model

The findings themselves implied priority actions to improve training, and indeed safety for refrigerants, which led to set of key recommendations:

1. Define a single umbrella licensing structure and move rapidly

2. Update the training and qualifications framework

3. Risk assess key hazards for installation, repair and servicing

4. Prepare a workforce development strategy and pilot industry/provider partnership

One of the challenges that was evident last year was the difficulty of getting progress when there were some confused accountabilities and impediments to progress. Since the review was issued, and roadshows and webinars held, we’ve seen some concrete progress in a number of areas.

Two of those are live now: an industry pilot, and setting up a Strategic Leadership Forum. Both initiatives were proposed as ways of achieving and demonstrating concrete progress through collaboration and industry input. 

Microcredentials are key to the future of all vocational training. They’re also a tool that’s consistent with industry’s focus on modular, stackable learning credentials. As such, there’s great work underway in developing a Heat Pump Installer’s Microcredential, with a technical group being set up through the Heat Pump Suppliers Association, and their first meeting held in mid-February. A microcredential helps to capture what good looks like, while able to be clipped on to a wider qualification.

The Strategic Leadership Forum holds its first meeting in early March. Industry response has been excellent, with a great turn out of industry leaders to provide meaningful input to a qualifications framework that delivers for employers and learners alike. The first meeting will feature input from the Workforce Development Council, confirmation of the Forum’s Terms of Reference, and some wider updates on the training space.

There are still plenty of challenges ahead. The change of Government means changes in the vocational education sector that have yet to completely shake out. The commitment of training providers, whether ITOs, polytechs, or private providers remains strong and there’s great willingness to partner with industry for more responsive results.