New HVAC centre to offer hands on learning in a first for the industry

(L-R) Ross Digby, Dean, Holmesglen Faculty of Building and Construction, Alex Hall, President AMCA Victoria, Dr Collette Burke, Victorian Chief Engineer, and Neil Coulson, Victorian Skills Commissioner.

Holmesglen welcomed the introduction of a new Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Centre of Excellence at the Chadstone campus in 2019.

The facility is a collaborative partnership between the Institute and the Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors' Association (AMCA), funded by the Victorian Government Workplace Training Innovation Fund.

Steve Dimopoulos MP, Member for Oakleigh, officially opened the Centre.  Holmesglen's CE, Mary Faraone, and Board Chair, Peter Lewinsky, spoke on behalf of the Institute together with AMCA Victoria President Alex Hall who spoke about the partnership, and Managing Director of AG Coombs, Russell Telford who spoke about the industry career pathways the new centre will create.

The Victorian Skills Commissioner, Neil Coulson, also attended the launch.  He commented that the Centre was well positioned to respond to the recent Apprenticeship and Traineeship Taskforce's findings, particularly in building a culture of co-investment, renewing our focus on quality and elevating the status of apprenticeships.

All speakers acknowledged the need to attract newcomers to the industry, and to encourage industry professionals to take up teaching opportunities to train the next generation of skilled mechanical services technicians.

The new facility will play a vital role in upskilling climate control technicians and preparing future mechanical services professionals for the evolving demands of the industry.

In addition to supporting mechanical services, the centre is designed to meet the growing need for technical training across the broader construction and industrial sectors, both in Australia and internationally. 

Whether you’re interested in launching your career or advancing your skills, Holmesglen offers a range of specialised programs to help you succeed:

• Civil construction courses: Gain hands-on skills for roles in road, rail, maritime, aviation, tunnel, and drainage projects.
• Electrical training in Victoria: Learn from industry experts and prepare for a rewarding career as an electrician or electrical tradesperson.
• Industrial skills training at TAFE in Victoria: Upskill in areas such as mechanical, fabrication, and maintenance to meet industry demand.

Explore these courses to discover how Holmesglen can help you build a successful future in construction, electrical, or industrial trades.

Find out more about the Holmesglen HVAC Centre of Excellence.