The review of this year’s activities highlighted the successes of the last 12 months, from the popular Refrigerants Initiative series to joint events with CIBSE, Engineers Ireland and AREA to name but a few. The 2012 Dinner and Awards night was another great accomplishment and it was proposed to make this occasion a bi-annual event.
The theme of education and training came up frequently in the meeting, showing the Institute’s concern in the development of the industry and investment in the future. “We are trying to improve standards and practices in our industry, gain knowledge, and share this with our members”, said Seamus Kerr.
The Refrigerants Initiative series of seminars has been particularly successful, highlighting the various choices in refrigerant available today, with individual talks devoted to HFC’s, ammonia, hydrocarbons, etc. Those who attended six or more seminars received a CPD Certificate of Attendance from the Institute.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a personal commitment to keeping professional knowledge and skills up-to-date. The IRI is strongly committed to supporting its members in meeting this commitment, and in doing so in a systematic and considered way. Nine certificates were awarded at the AGM and the intention is to resume the series after summer.
Concern was raised about the low number of refrigeration apprentices registering, and also the declining interest in RAC and engineering in general in education. Student levels are currently down in DIT & CIT. Seamus Kerr made the point that the Government should be challenged and questioned as to how it is promoting this industry. There will be a future shortage of trained engineers without further action.
That said, there has been a significant growth in Institute membership. Some of that is due to decreasing and discounted membership costs, but it is also due to the proactive work of Council members in promoting the Institute and what it stands for. That effort was duly noted with a round of applause from the floor.
The excellent contribution of outgoing President Dave Killalea was similarly marked. Dave recounted the many achievements of his tenure, acknowledging and crediting the Council and various committee members’ contribution to these successes. In handing over the chain of office to incoming President Seamus Kerr, he urged all to continue with that support.
For further details contact: www.instituteofrefrigerationireland.ie ■
