Toshiba distributor Cool Designs Ltd, which pioneered online video-based training, is now launching a comprehensive programme of classroom-based courses for air conditioning engineers, consultants and end users.

CDL believes a combination of practical, hands-on courses supported by a library of professional online videos is the most powerful way of training the next generation and ensuring existing installers can get up-to-speed with the latest technology.

The company is rolling-out a full programme of training at three locations across the UK: Glasgow, Sunderland and Warrington. In addition, it will run courses at Toshiba’s air conditioning training centre in Leatherhead, Surrey.

Practical and theoretical courses will cover everything from designing and commissioning heat recovery VRF systems, to fault diagnosis, F-Gas compliance and system optimisation.

It will also include training in the installation and use of Toshiba’s total refrigerant management and protection system, designed to provide complete reassurance for end users. The system has recently been adopted by a global hotel chain, and is being being rolled out across its estate.

Managing director of CDL, Darrel Birkett, said: “Rapid developments in air conditioning technology, particularly in the area of control and monitoring, require constant refreshers to ensure installers and designers remain up-to-speed.

“It is not enough to go on an ‘air conditioning course’ once and expect to be equipped for life, as may have happened in the past. We believe training needs to be life-long, so that people understand how to apply the advanced features of today’s systems as they are introduced, in order to operate them safely and efficiently.”

He added: “The combination of hands-on classroom training using working equipment, backed by permanently accessible online instructional videos, provides a compelling package. Videos can be accessed by engineers at any time, at the point of need via a smart-phone; we know from feedback that installers use them as a real-time reference for problem-solving, rather than wading through conventional manuals.”

CDL offers all training courses without charge to installers signing up for Toshiba’s Additions scheme. For larger groups, the company will organise courses at customer’s premises, to minimise travelling time and cost.

For more details, or to request a full list of courses, contact CDL on 0191 549 6964or email sales@cooldesignsltd.co.uk