Apprentice Brandon Miller, was one of six lucky apprentices to be awarded the Industry Education Trade Scholarship. The scholarship is a combined initiative by the Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association (AMCA) and Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturers Association (AREMA).
The program aims to reward students who have demonstrated aptitude to successfully complete their trade training as well as increase the quality of trained tradespeople in stakeholder industries.
The objectives behind the scholarship include promoting quality outcomes in the vocational education and training system as well as increasing the awareness to employers and the community the benefits of participating in further education.
Brandon embarked on two, one week residential courses at the Refrigeration and Climate Control Centre of Excellence (RCCC) in Box Hill, Victoria. Over the two weeks Brandon received further training on various topics in the HVAC&R industry. This included safety awareness, refrigerant gas management, environmentally sustainable work practices and carbon dioxide refrigerant systems.
“It has been an awesome experience, I have made some great networking opportunities and seen some world-class facilities,” said Brandon.
“What was really exciting is being given the opportunity to work on things you normally wouldn’t see.”
The scholarship covers five students and five teachers, however last minute additional funding meant Brandon was also selected to be a part of the program.
“I couldn’t believe it when I was notified of being accepted, I honestly didn’t think it would happen.”
On completion of the scholarship, students are awarded a Master of Refrigeration certificate from AMCA as well as a Statement of Attainment by Box Hill Institute.
“If you are given the opportunity to apply for the scholarship, I would definitely do it,” said Brandon.