23 May 2023
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Guests at the opening of the new Meridian training centre in Ferndown
Dorset has welcomed its first industry training facility with the official launch of the Meridian RACHP training centre in Ferndown.
The purpose-built centre, which will be operated by Meridian Air Conditioning and Ventilation, marks a partnership between directors Sam and Suzanne Lovell and lecturer and assessor Shaun Creech. Following extensive research and development, the aim is to upskill individuals in working on cooling systems, as well as meeting a predicted growth in demand for heat pumps.
The centre will specialise in providing individuals with the skills to use lower flammability A2L and higher flammability A3 refrigerants for a range of RACHP functions. It will provide a range of short courses accredited by City & Guilds and BESA for both more experienced installers and newcomers to the sector.
Creech, who has trained more than 1,000 students during his career and is a Fellow of the Institute of Refrigeration (IOR), said: “The setting up of a centre will give people the option to attend their training somewhere more local instead of travelling at least 60 miles or more to the nearest other provider - it seemed a no-brainer. We are looking to grow our provision as we go forward and have already been approached by some companies about setting up specific courses for their employees on controls systems for ventilation systems.''
IOR president Graeme Fox, who is also technical director for the BESA group and a director of ACRIB, performed the official opening.
From left, Shaun Creech, Graeme Fox, Suzanne Lovell and Sam Lovell
