Dorset has its first RACHP (refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump) centre offering training and short courses in the effective handling of flammable refrigerants.

Graeme Fox, President of the Institute of Refrigeration (IOR) and also Technical Director for BESA (Building Engineering Services Association), opened the new facility in Ferndown.

It is operated by Meridian Air Conditioning and Ventilation in partnership with lecturer and assessor Shaun Creech.

The centre’s launch is the result of 18 months of research and development including analysis of the needs of professionals within the industry.

It will specialise in providing individuals with the skills to use lower flammability A2L and higher flammability A3 refrigerants for a range of RACHP functions.

The training centre is designed to provide a range of short training courses accredited by City & Guilds and BESA for newcomers and more  experienced installers in the sector.

Shaun, who has trained more than 1,000 students during his career and is a Fellow of the IOR, said it also aims to upskill individuals in working on cooling systems as well as meeting a predicted growth in demand for heat pumps.

He said: “The setting up of a centre gives people the option to attend their training somewhere more local instead of travelling at least 60 miles or more to the nearest other provider – it seemed a no brainer.

“We are looking to grow our provision as we go forward and have already been approached by some companies about setting up specific courses for their employees on controls systems for ventilation systems.”

• meridianrachptraining.co.uk