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

Launching on 1 October, the initiative 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 Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants.

The courses will be held at Integral’s award-winning training centre at Minworth, near Birmingham, which has working examples of systems running on state-of-the-art HFO refrigerants, carbon dioxide and propane.

Integral believes there remains a significant gap between end users’ desire to adopt greener systems and the skills available in the market to deliver the latest high efficiency, low GWP systems. The partnership with ETH, part of Dudley College, will help to meet this need by making Integral’s expertise available on a national scale.

ETH already operates from a number of centres across the UK, offering specialist courses for the oil and gas industry, as well as 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.

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.

Training manager David Sargent, will head the centre, 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.

Business development director at Integral’s refrigeration operation, Patrick Mullins, 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.”

Managing director of ETH, Christopher Dalton, said: “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.

Pictured above are Chris Dalton and Patrick Mullins.