Transcrital CO2 refrigeration systems are here and we can’t wait to play our part!

 

Perceptions, ideas and beliefs, it’s amazing what a change in mindset can achieve.

 

While on a recent “work trip” to Europe my mind was set alight with the brilliant acceptance of change and the boom of transcritical refrigeration. The European Union has played its hand straight-up in combating the effects of global warming. Wind and solar farms distort the landscape and the endeavor to remove F-gases is ongoing and systematic. There is a distinct aura of responsibility and willingness in Europe to find a better, greener way.

Our short trip involved a visit to Chillventa the expo for energy efficiency, heat pumps and refrigeration, where we witnessed first-hand a drive to create sustainable solutions for the future. Every second stand involved natural refrigerants, CO2 transcritical racks, propane systems and one guy was even trying to sell systems that contained good old H2O (water) as a refrigerant.

 

Change was everywhere, and change was commonplace.

 

Several factory visits later and our initial perceptions were confirmed, innovation and belief. And the most amazing thing was, people weren’t scared of transcritical CO2 systems. The demand for the natural solution is huge, manufacturers can’t keep up.

Continued after image: sheccoBase (2018), ongoing research for World Guide to CO2 Transcritical Refrigeration, to be published in 2019 (more information at info@sheccobase.com)

Mindset Change.

 

We have a knack in Australia to make things more complicated than they really are.  We fear the word and system “transcritical”. But, don’t be afraid. People have installed it all over the world. Not so long ago we led the world in refrigeration. In fact we were the first to patent the vapour compression cycle! Therefore, we need to catch up and get back to being innovative and responsible.

Whether you are a conspiracy theorist or hardcore environmentalist, the change in the earth’s surface temperature is evident. 0.85oC higher than late in the 19th century, man-made or a cycle of the sun? In conclusion, as an industry we can help just a little by using natural refrigerants. So, what are we waiting for?

Coolphase supports a number of local initiatives and charities.  We take great pride in playing an important and awesome role in the lives of our people and the local community.  

Some of our ridiculously rewarding initiatives include, growing some rather shady mo’s for Movember, planning staff BBQ’s to grab a few snags for prostate cancer, and working with long time partners to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease research at the Queensland Brain Institute.  

The sponsorship of local sporting clubs and athletes also provides us with a heap of enjoyment and satisfaction knowing that we may be help the stars of tomorrow realise their dreams.  

Most of all education is at the heart of what we do at Coolphase, training apprentices, up-skilling our staff and creating a “teach, don’t criticise” culture.  Helping out education providers in our own small way we cement our values and ensure that learning is at the forefront of our minds.

Men’s Health Fundraising

Participation in Movember, Big Aussie BBQ, and other charitable initiatives relating to Men’s health is a major priority for all of us at Coolphase. Every staff barbecue is an opportunity to raise money for a good cause and bring men’s health to the forefront.

Ross McLean Fellowship

A long partnership with the Index Group and the Mclean Family gives us great pleasure and the opportunity to support fundraising for Motor Neurone Disease research at the Queensland Brain Institute.

North Gold Coast Seahawks Sponsorship

As the North Gold Coast Seahawks basketball team enters the Queensland Basketball League (QBL), Coolphase has provided sponsorship as a foundation member.  The QBL is a great pathway for talented athletes to move one step closer to achieving their dreams.

Mel W Racing

Another opportunity to support a local star. Mel Watson has taken Queensland Sailing by storm, her grit, determination and love for the sport sees her as one of the greatest young talents our community has to offer.

Air Conditioning Donation to Coomera Rivers State School

Donating air conditioning to a local school gives us a great connection with the local community and the luxury of enhancing learning.

Sponsorship of the Refrigeration Apprentice of the Year Award at Ashmore Tafe

Critical to our industry, the training of apprentices and offering opportunity is a Coolphase priority.  Coolphase founded the Refrigeration Apprentice of the Year award at Ashmore Tafe and is proud to sponsor the award as well as joining in on open days and talking to hopeful apprentices about the refrigeration and electrical industries.

What We Do:

As an integral part of the community Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC&R) technicians service, maintain and install all types of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. A refrigeration technician’s biggest contribution is to food preservation; ensuring the integrity of what we all eat; and the main focus for an air conditioning specialist, is to keep air in controlled environments cool, warm and clean.

HVAC&R technicians also make a great commitment to the environment, through using energy efficient technology, great “codes of practice”, natural refrigerants, and by saving the world “one gas leak at a time!”

Skills Involved:

The refrigeration and air conditioning trade combines various disciplines into one specialised field. A four-year apprenticeship sees you completing similar tasks to an electrician or a plumber, but, will add in a touch of mathematics, science and physics to spark your interest.

Work Anywhere in the World:

As a qualified refrigeration and air conditioning technician, you will be in demand where ever you go. Australian technicians are some of the best-trained in the world, we are diverse, versatile and resilient, throw in our great sense of humour and “Banff, Alberta” here we come!

Future Prospects:

Great technicians looking for more can complete additional studies and move into the areas of drafting, engineering, consultancy or project management. Young entrepreneurs can even start their own business and in time create the same opportunities given to them by offering new apprenticeships to the next batch of future fridgies.

The refrigeration and air conditioning industry is full of great people and can be fantastically rewarding, once you start, you’ll never look back. Take pride in your work, make steps every day to complete your trade, enjoy your journey and endeavour to become an “awesome craftsman”.

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    Peter Coolphase Refrigeration Apprentice 900x600 1
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    Craftsmanship, skill, knowledge; all important traits of an industry professional. The journey to become a “tradesman”, a word used not too often in today’s society, begins with an apprenticeship. Importantly the essential training provided to an apprentice both onsite and theoretical is crucial to sustain longevity and quality of service.

    According to the ABS from May 2011 to May 2017 there has been a decline in Australian trainees and apprentices by 19%. Unbelievably that’s an amazing 41,100 people! While a lot of this can be attributed to industries changing from manufacturing to service. In contrast much of the decline is also driven by greed and the push to maximise profits.

    Nonetheless, there is a common misconception that no-one wants to be an apprentice. And I find statements like “kids don’t want to do trades anymore” unsubstantiated. For example whenever we post positions for new apprentices, we are inundated with applicants. In fact in most instances now, we don’t advertise, word of mouth is all we need.

     

    Important for Our Future

     

    Training an apprentice is crucial for the sustainability of specific industries and continued retention of trade based knowledge. So, a significant drop in industry professionals will see an accelerated increase in charge out rates. Additionally it could ultimately have an affect on the growth of our economy. It is extremely important that our workforce, individual industries and customers fight to maintain strength in know how and in numbers. Therfore, organisations need to do more to support apprentices and trainees.

    The “Win, Win, Win” philosophy showcased in Stephen R. Covey’s famed “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” can be practically demonstrated through the employment of apprentices. Win 1; employment and opportunity is provided to someone in need. Win 2, an organisation attains a valuable and enduring resource. Win 3, customers are provided with service, support and security. This basic and complete cycle supplies a fantastic future for any employee, business or customer.

    We all need to better understand the benefits of employing trainees. There are people out there that want opportunities, it is our responsibility to ensure they have them.

     

    Data provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics

    In May 2011, there were 226,500 people aged 15-64 years who were employed as apprentices or trainees and part of the Australian Apprenticeship Scheme. Of these, 108,000 people (48%) had commenced their apprenticeship or traineeship in the last 12 months. In 2011, the majority of apprentices or trainees (79%) were males. The highest number of apprentices and trainees, 60,300, were working within the Construction field of trade.

    In May 2017, there were 185,400 people aged 15 to 64 years who were employed as apprentices or trainees and were part of the Australian Apprenticeship Scheme. Of these, 81,100 people (44%) had commenced their apprenticeship or traineeship in the last 12 months. The majority of apprentices or trainees were male (83%). As in previous years, construction was the most common industry for apprentices and trainees, with 41% employed in this industry.

    APPRENTICESHIP APPLICATION

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