16 July 2024
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Apprentices at the training academy with new Apprenticeship Programme Lead Adele Watson, front right
Carrier has officially opened the new training academy at its Bracknell service and rentals depot.
The new facility offers trainee engineers and technicians hands-on experience with Carrier’s commercial product portfolio, including heat pumps, chillers, and air handling units. Trainees can also develop skills in service repairs and upgrades, such as VFDs (variable frequency drives), refrigerants, compressor overhauls and controls, as well as modernisation and preventative and predictive maintenance.
“The grand opening of our new training academy marks a significant milestone for Carrier and stands as a testament to our commitment to building a skilled workforce capable of leading the way in intelligent climate and energy solutions,” said Andrew Paddock, Managing Director Carrier Commercial HVAC UK and Nordics. “We recognise that a future without new talent and continual skill enhancement makes it difficult to fully embrace the electrification of heating systems and to meet net zero targets.”
Guests were able to tour the new facilities and see learning come to life with equipment demonstrations. Attendees also celebrated the achievements of its graduating apprentices who have progressed through the company's apprenticeship programme. Carrier is actively growing its apprenticeship programme with the recent appointment of a dedicated apprenticeship programme leader, Adele Watson, along with plans to recruit 20 new apprentices in the coming months.
“With the skills gap growing and the industry at risk of losing a wealth of knowledge when our experienced technicians retire, it is crucial that we invest in training new talent,” said Watson. “Our apprenticeship programme, supported by our new training academy, is designed to help young people master skills for the future so we can achieve sustainability and decarbonisation goals.”
Over the coming months, Carrier says it will develop a training programme focused on educating its engineers about the adoption of new refrigerants, including R290, and invite customers and contract partners to experience exclusive training days at the new facility, further enhancing their awareness and understanding of Carrier’s HVAC solutions.
The training academy will also be used for Carrier’s CIBSE-approved CPD training courses.
Inside the new Bracknell training academy
