Training the next generation of HVAC experts through Co-op

Recognising the importance of training and upskilling the future Heating, Ventilating and Air conditioning (HVAC) workforce, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioners Australia, Pty. Ltd. (MHIAA), is entering their second year of their continuing partnership with our Co-operative Education Program (Co-op).

Through Co-op, MHIAA’s Victorian office has successfully supported three undergraduate Engineering students to undertake practical, work-based learning, with one intern turning this opportunity into a casual position for 2-3 days a week while completing her last year of studies.

Technical Sales Manager for Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, James Wilson, noted that the Monash Co-operative Education Program has helped students engage in real life practice and applications of their studies.

“Over the course of our partnership with Monash University we have engaged with students specialising in disciplines such as Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design and Robotics & Mechatronics, said Wilson. “The program allows them to experience real life projects and products where their studies can be applied. For our most recent intern Monica Nguyen we were also able to turn this into a casual paid position with MHIAA while she continues her final years of her degree.”

“One of the highlights of my Co-op internship was being able to work for a global company and gain insight into how a large company operates,” said Monica, a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) and Industrial Design student. “I learned how to manage my time properly and prioritise relevant jobs in order to complete all of my assigned tasks by their deadline. I liaised with customers and helped them with technical enquiries and provided them with product information. Everyone at MHIAA was really supportive in helping me transition into my role, and I’m very happy to be continuing working with the team in a casual capacity while I continue to study.”

For MHIAA, the success of this program is built on the ability to give students real life experience of engineering practice, workplace dynamics and key product training.

“As part of the program we offer all our interns product training on our range of units and internal programs that are integral to the project planning and management aspect of the role,” Wilson noted. “We provide each intern with examples of upcoming major projects, where our VRF systems products are applied, and have them work alongside us so they can learn and experience the intricacies of applying Mitsubishi Heavy Industries products to a major project. They will not only experience quoting the project but assist in managing the project with the customer from organising deliveries and providing technical support on the product. Each intern is involved in all aspects of the project and can apply their theory from their studies to real life practice.”

Adrian Brown, General Manager, Sales and Planning for MHIAA, acknowledged that the Co-op Program with Monash University is one way through which MHIAA plans to navigate through these challenging times.

“For many university students, having the opportunity to put their studies in to real life practice is invaluable for not only their degrees but also their future opportunities in working in the industry,” he said. “We are extremely honoured to be partnered with Monash University and to be working with these students. The HVAC skill shortage will no doubt be a challenging time for the Industry as a whole and MHIAA is honoured to be taking on the opportunity to upskill the future leaders of our industry.”

Professor Elizabeth Croft, Monash University’s Dean of Engineering, said that she is delighted to hear that the Co-operative Education Program has been a rewarding experience for both MHIAA and Monash students. “We continue to hear encouraging and positive stories of how our Engineering Co-op Program is helping industry solve their future workforce challenges, while giving our students an enriching work-based learning opportunity,” she said. “We are grateful to all of our industry partners, including MHIAA, for welcoming our students and helping us train and develop Australia’s critically needed future engineers.”

We look forward to the continuation of our partnership with MHIAA and for the opportunity to expand the program across all their offices in Australia and New Zealand.

To find out how you can address skills shortages and upskill your future leaders, please visit the Monash University Co-Operative Education Program website.

About Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioners Australia

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioners Australia offers a complete range of premium air-conditioners for residential and commercial spaces. Innovation is central to the organisation and underpins every aspect of MHIAA’s product range. Fostering Japan’s technological leadership and in combination with the organisation’s rich heritage in engineering, aviation and spacecraft leadership, the company continues to achieve unrivalled success in Australia and New Zealand.