UCCI AND CEL COOLING AND SUPPLY COLLABORATE TO DELIVER ESSENTIAL WORKFORCE SKILLS TO THE INDUSTRY IN TWO-DAY WORKSHOP

This week, the professional and technical education and training division (PTET) at the University College of Cayman Islands (UCCI) in collaboration with Cayman air conditioning supplier, CEL Cooling & Supply, successfully hosted a comprehensive two-day training workshop on Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems. The workshop took place at UCCI’s Sir Vassel Johnson Hall on October 1 and 2, 2024, from 8:00am. to 2:00pm and over 40 people were trained in the latest skills and technologies available in this sector.

The intensive training session equipped over 25 HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) professionals from key businesses within the industry, along with 15 UCCI students enrolled in HVAC Levels 1–3 programmes, with the latest knowledge and best practices in VRF technology. The workshop aimed to:

• Demonstrate the significance of VRFs as an efficient solution for modern air conditioning systems.

• Share best practices for the installation and maintenance of VRF systems.

• Introduce participants to the new VRF software, enhancing their technical proficiency.

Dr. Robert Robertson, President and CEO of UCCI, emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “As the HVAC industry evolves, it is crucial that our professionals stay ahead with the latest technologies. This VRF training workshop underscored our commitment to excellence and innovation, ensuring that we are training the current and future generations in the skills we need for them to thrive.”

Paul Puckerin, Dean of PTET at UCCI, added, “Collaborating with CEL Cooling & Supply allowed us to provide our students with invaluable hands-on experience and exposure to cutting-edge HVAC technologies. This partnership not only enhanced their learning but also prepared them to meet the demands of the industry with confidence and expertise.”

The event featured expert-led sessions, live demonstrations, and interactive discussions, providing participants with practical skills and actionable insights. Attendees also had the opportunity to network with peers, fostering a collaborative environment for professional growth.

“We were excited to bring together industry experts and emerging talent in this specialized training,” said Mark Veilleux, from CEL, “By investing in our workforce and education, we paved the way for a more sustainable and technologically advanced HVAC industry and we are thrilled to work with UCCI to ensure that our staff and the industry as a whole are trained on the latest technologies in the sector.”