Integral signs training deal with ETH

UK: Integral UK Ltd has entered into a partnership with Energy Training Hub (ETH) to offer a programme of courses in refrigeration, energy and electrical skills.

The initiative, which launches on 1 October, is designed to equip field engineers, consultants, designers and end users with the knowledge and skills needed to apply the new generation of alternative cooling systems, based on high efficiency, natural and low GWP refrigerants.

Courses will be held at Integral’s training centre at Minworth, near Birmingham, which has working examples of systems running on state-of-the-art HFO refrigerants, carbon dioxide and propane. The training centre was originally a part of the WR Refrigeration business which Integral acquired from the administrator last year.

As a provider of refrigeration installation and service for some of the UK’s biggest food retailers, Integral is aware of the lack of engineers properly trained in the latest low GWP systems.

The partnership with specialist training organisation ETH, part of Dudley College is designed to address that need and make available its expertise on a national scale.

ETH already operates from a number of centres across the UK, offering specialist courses for the oil and gas industry, plus training in renewables and health and safety. The partnership with Integral is part of an ongoing plan to expand the range of courses offered and its geographical reach.

F-gas training

Courses to be offered at Minworth include theoretical and practical training in F-Gas legislation and compliance, the application of alternative refrigerants (HC, HFO and CO2), electrical skills and control circuitry. It will also offer training and assessment in refrigerant safe handling under the City & Guilds 2079 scheme.

Heading up the centre is training manager David Sargent, supported by specialist refrigeration trainer John Bradley. Electrical equipment is being installed at the centre to cater for the new electrical courses being offered alongside refrigeration.

Patrick Mullins, business development director at Integral’s refrigeration operation, said: “We are delighted to be launching this partnership with ETH. There is huge interest among end users in adopting greener, more efficient technology. However, progress is being hampered by the shortage of practical knowledge and skills available in the market.

“Combining our technical knowledge and facilities with the outstanding training skills and resources of ETH provides the industry with an opportunity to rapidly upskill engineers and designers, and rise to the challenge presented by many major customers.”

Christopher Dalton, managing director of ETH, said: “The Minworth training facility is world-class, and unique in having examples of all three of the main alternative cooling technologies, operating side-by-side.

“The new initiative enables everyone with an interest in low carbon cooling to gain experience of the new technology. We are also conscious of the vital part energy will play in the future. A key aspect of the offering will be integrated training across refrigeration and energy, to ensure that systems are not only low GWP, but maximised for efficiency. With our experience of renewables, electrical control and energy, we believe we are in a unique position to deliver this.”

For more details or a list of courses offered, contact: Michelle Edwards or Rachel Allen on 0800 028 7420.