In recent years, across the air conditioning industry, there has been increasing concern over the provision of training that will enable those with jobs in air conditioning to keep pace with product developments and technological changes. Investment – of time, money and attention – is urgently needed now in order to avoid any skills shortage in the future.

To benefit all air conditioning contractors and specifiers, training provision needs to be accessible, affordable and relevant. Those who currently hold jobs in air conditioning, as well as those who aspire to such positions, demand useful and hands-on learning experience that can be put to good use in everyday working life. However, it is vitally important that they recognise the value of training and are willing to spend previous time in training courses, many of which are of excellent quality and widely available across the country.

Meanwhile, many plumbers and electricians have no previous qualification in refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) but have been slowly picking up knowledge and experience of installing and maintaining air conditioning systems. These individuals, in particular, should take advantage of what training courses can offer and upgrade their skills in order to survive their jobs in air conditioning.

In short, sufficient training of essential and practical skills will help sustain jobs in air conditioning at the present and in the future. It will also enable the whole air conditioning industry to prosper and achieve its prominence in the building services sector.