Toshiba distributor Cool Designs Ltd (CDL) has opened a new air conditioning training centre in Glasgow, to serve installers north of the border.

Based at College Milton, East Kilbride, the new facility will offer the full range of Toshiba courses, covering theory and practical skills in installation, commissioning and trouble-shooting. It will also provide refreshers on the recent changes to F-Gas legislation, and what they mean for contractors and end users, in terms of the mandatory requirements on refrigerant leak tests, record keeping and certification of engineers.

The centre is equipped with working examples of air conditioning systems, including Toshiba’s SMMS mini-VRF, enabling delegates to receive a thorough grounding in the principles of variable refrigerant flow systems and related controls.

CDL now operates three dedicated air conditioning training centres, with the other facilities located in Sunderland and Warrington. It also runs courses from Toshiba’s national training centre in Leatherhead.

Training manager Peter Bradley heads up CDL’s growing training programme and has many years’ experience in the industry.

The company now has capacity to train more than 200 engineers a year. With access to Toshiba’s flagship facility in Surrey, CDL is one of the largest providers of specialist air conditioning training among UK distributors. Its programme includes a mix of scheduled and ad hoc courses, arranged to meet customer needs. CDL also offers external training on customers’ premises, to maximise time effectiveness for busy installation and service departments.

CDL managing director Darrel Birkett said: 'One of the biggest constraints on the growth of the air conditioning industry is the availability of skilled engineers. As a successful and growing distributor, we have a responsibility to help grow the next generation, and make sure today’s staff are fully up-to-speed, on the technology, the environment and the regulations.'

For details of upcoming courses call East Kilbride on 01355 234776 or CDL on 0191 5496964.