Toshiba Air Conditioning has opened a new national training centre at its headquarters in Leatherhead.
The facility is the flagship in a new national network of Toshiba training centres being rolled out during 2014, at 13 Toshiba and distributor locations across the country. The Leatherhead facility will operate all-year-round, with a scheduled programme of advertised courses running each quarter, supported by bespoke training to meet specific installer and end-user needs.
When fully operational, 600 to 700 engineers and end-users are anticipated to undergo training at Leatherhead each year. Added to the capacity of other centres in the network, it gives Toshiba the ability to train more than 1500 people each year, making it one of the most significant training providers in the country.
The centre gives installers the opportunity to have hands-on experience of commissioning and servicing the latest technology, including VRF air conditioning, electronic controls, leak detection and digital inverters. It will include examples of Toshiba’s pioneering refrigerant management and protection systems, that offer complete reassurance for building owners and occupants.
The full range of Toshiba equipment and accessories will also be located at Toshiba’s new North of England training centre, based at Middleton in Manchester, which is due to open later this year.
Heading up the Leatherhead Training centre is Neil Wooldridge, Toshiba’s training and technical manager, who has extensive knowledge of air conditioning technology and the industry. In addition to delivering training courses from its own premises and that of its distributors, Toshiba will also offer courses from customers’ premises, providing a uniquely flexible set of options to suit all needs.
David Dunn, general manager of Toshiba Air Conditioning, said: “As a leading air conditioning manufacturer, we believe it is our duty and responsibility to provide high quality training – to ensure systems operate safely and efficiently, and that the future of the industry is secured.
“We also have a duty of care to the environment, to make sure people are fully informed and aware of their obligations under the law, to protect and minimise the impact of air conditioning and refrigerants on the environment.”
The expanded range of courses covers both practical and theoretical topics, with the focus on optimising system design and performance to ensure occupant comfort, energy efficiency and environmental protection. In line with its policy, Toshiba will make no charge for attendance on its courses.
Modules include courses on practical installation and commissioning skills, and updates on key legislation impacting the industry.
Following the recent changes to the F-Gas Regulation, a new course outlines the implications for all parties, how the regulation relates to different refrigerants, record keeping requirements, and the key timetable of dates for implementation of the changes.
Approved by CIBSE under its CPD programme, legislation updates include the recently revised Part L of the Buildings Regulations, and how the latest changes relate to the design of air conditioning systems.
Other CPD accredited courses cover the application of SEER and COP in relation to VRF systems, introduction to VRF and VRF compressor technology, air-to-water heat pumps, the design and application of air-cooled VRF systems, the operation of BREEAM refrigerant pump down credits and BSEN378, and an update on EcoDesign LOT10 – the Energy Labelling Directive.
Mr Dunn said: “It is vital that we update the skills of existing engineers and train the next generation of installers and designers - the future of the industry depends on it. This requires continual investment in the skills and knowledge base, to ensure people are equipped to deliver the high quality projects required by clients, now and in the future.”