SOUTH Eastern Regional College (SERC) is offering air conditioning and refrigeration training for SMAs wanting to reduce carbon emissions. Thanks to funding from the Department for Employment and Learning’s Skills Solution Customised Training programme, Belfast based company Montgomery Refrigeration Ltd has already up-skilled over 20 refrigeration engineers.
They trained in specialist hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerant to ensure they have the expert skills and know-how to safely operate and service modern day refrigeration equipment which, the company believes, will help save money and increase its competitive advantage.
Montgomery Refrigeration service manager, Calvin Irvine said: “We have reaped enormous benefits through our 20- year partnership with SERC.” The engineers are now fully equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge and legislative qualifications necessary to carry out their job.
“We are confident the course will have a direct impact on the productivity and competitive-ness of the company. “With hydrocarbon refrigerants emerging as the refrigerant of the future due to its high energy efficiency properties, training is essential to keep up with new regulations and emerging technologies.
“I would strongly encourage other companies to talk to their local college when looking to up skill or train their staff.”
Thompson Keating, SERC director of economic and corporate development said: “With little specialist refrigeration training available in Northern Ireland, SERC is addressing the skills gap by delivering a bite-sized training courses to meet the needs of this sector. Montgomery Refrigeration service manager Calvin Irvine, Montgomery Refrigeration service engineer Garreth Pondyke and SERC director of corporate and economic development Thompson Keating take part in an assessment as part of the SERC course.
“SERC believes that skills development is a central part of any business strategy to ensure it remains competitive in the marketplace.” The nationally recognised Hydrocarbon Refrigerant qualification, delivered by SERC, uses state-of-the-art equipment and focuses on how to safely handle hydrocarbon refrigerant during installation, service, maintenance and disposal. As the sole provider of refrigeration and air conditioning training in Northern Ireland, SERC prides itself on the levels of excellence and expertise demonstrated within this area and continues to strive to offer the industry the best possible training.
For more information visit www.serc.ac.uk or contact Andrew Megarry on 028 92 677225.