Education and certification for professionals: The need of the hour

Professionals across industries are understandably experiencing a lot of panic. Uncertainty when it comes to job prospects is a growing problem in the hierarchy of all companies, regardless of the sector in which they may be. Most importantly, however, the pandemic has affected the job prospects of young professionals and college graduates.

Yet, many experts have suggested young professionals must use their time during the lockdown to their advantage by educating themselves in future trends in order to remain ahead of the herd. This includes young professionals in the HVAC&R industry - which, according to reports, has been affected heavily. Especially since the situation of contractors in the industry changes almost as quickly as the virus spreads.

An organisation helping young professionals in the HVAC&R industry is ISHRAE (Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers). Broadly known as ISHRAE Certified Professional or ICP, the program is part of the ISHRAE Institute of Excellence, the educational wing of the society. The ISHRAE Certified Professional course validates the competency of the HVAC&R professional - who are in dire need as many reports have shed light on the importance of new guidelines for air conditioners (especially) in public places.

The course at ISHRAE will familiarise professionals with relevant standards, new and better filtration methods for air conditioners and cleanroom protocols (among others) based on international standards.

Additionally, the need for courses like ICP has never been more important and relevant. A report by Daikin India mentioned that renowned doctors and epidemiologists have deemed room ACs safe for residential application. However, they have cautioned against the use of air conditioners in offices and spaces where air is recirculated using ducts as it may increase the possibility of the spread of the virus by asymptomatic patients. The report also indicated that adequate ventilation is required to slow down the spread of the virus.

ISHRAE National President Richie Mittal said, “Although WHO has claimed that the virus may be airborne, it is most commonly spread through coughing, sneezing and at times speaking in close quarters. Since our industry is one that can very minutely study, experiment and come out with solutions to the spread of the virus through air conditioners, the ICP is a course worth joining.”

ISHRAE (The Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Airconditioning Engineers) was started in 1981. After four decades, ISHRAE today has a membership of 13,000 professionals and 43 chapters across India with a student membership of 14000; it has spread its wings with Chapters in USA, Dubai and Nepal.

ISHRAE being the single largest, technical body of HVAC sector in the country, has embarked upon a sustained training programme to bridge the gap to bring about uniform quality standards for the field technicians, supervisors and engineers.

As part of the ISHRAE Institute of Excellence, ISHRAE has started the ICP (ISHRAE Certified Professional) training course, a training programme with theory and practical sessions to improve the technical skills of the HVAC&R professional who needs these training modules especially when there are new guidelines for air conditioners in public places.

With inputs from Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers