New report sheds light on ammonia training

A perceived lack of training among technicians and installers is often cited as a barrier to wider uptake of ammonia-based HVAC&R technologies. But a new report published yesterday shows that training is in fact readily available for those who need it.

Packed full of exclusive interviews, industry surveys and data analysis, the GUIDE to Natural Refrigerants Training in Europe – produced by the market development department at shecco– is the most comprehensive investigation of Europe’s training landscape to date.

The GUIDE analyses survey responses and opinions from over 340 participants on a range of topics, including:

• Major trends in training on ammonia in Europe.
• Figures for participation in training courses and growth prospects.
• Analysis of barriers and drivers of natural refrigerants training in Europe.
• Comparative analysis of supply and demand for training in Europe.

Survey participants identified the need to comply with legislative requirements at global, regional and national level as one of the biggest drivers of natural refrigerants training uptake. The cost of investing in training – both in terms of attending and offering courses – was singled out as the biggest barrier, closely followed by a perceived lack of available facilities in some parts of Europe.

As innovative low-charge ammonia solutions become more popular, the training offer is expected to increase. “The industry leads, and we follow along. […] As the industry introduces all of these natural refrigerants, the training sector will catch up and it will mingle in. I do think it’s just a matter of time,” says Jason Clark, senior training consultant at the Grimsby Institute of Refrigeration.

Peter White, director of British installer and maintenance company Polar Pumps Ltd., observes that progress is already being made. “50% of those we train are for ammonia, and this seems to be growing. The industry is changing as refrigerants have gone from CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs and now on to HFOs,” he told the GUIDE.

“People want a bit of security. Ammonia has been here since forever and it will stay here forever,” White says.

Among the GUIDE’s highlights is a directory of natural refrigerants training currently on offer in Europe. The directory matches readers to the most suitable training providers, from a list of almost 200 located throughout Europe, according to their needs.

From state-of-the-art training centres provided by companies like Carrier and Bitzer to EU-funded projects and free online resources, the GUIDE is a one-stop shop for all training initiatives that support the development of natural refrigerants.

The industry survey conducted for the GUIDE found that 98% of natural refrigerant training providers offer theoretical training, and 80% offer practical training. 55% offer ammonia training.

Click here to read the GUIDE to Natural Refrigerants Training in Europe 2017.