At South Bank Colleges, we are committed to providing learners with the practical skills and industry experience needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving refrigeration and air conditioning sector. The arrival of a new F Gas Mobile Training Unit marks an exciting step forward in that mission.
Designed to replicate a real world refrigeration cold room system, the unit creates a high quality teaching environment where learners can build hands on experience, develop technical confidence and practise essential refrigerant handling skills safely.
Bringing industry standard training to learners
The mobile training unit enables students to work on equipment that reflects what they will encounter in the workplace. From installation and diagnostics to safe refrigerant management, learners can carry out meaningful practical tasks as part of their training.
Key features include:
• Refrigerant capacity of 3kg and above to support Category 1 F Gas training
• A dedicated vice station for joining and brazing pipework
• A steel protective cover for safe pipework pressure testing
• An integrated workbench area for recording system data and measurements during practical activities
• A modern range of tools and brazing equipment used across industry
This approach ensures our learners graduate with practical capability as well as theoretical knowledge.
Supporting recognised pathways into the sector
The unit aligns with the refrigerant handling qualification delivered by NOCN Group, providing a clear progression route for those entering the industry and for existing professionals looking to formalise their skills.
By embedding accredited learning within realistic workshop environments, we are helping students meet regulatory requirements while preparing them for employment in a sector that is critical to the low carbon transition.
Part of a wider commitment to green skills
As part of the LSBU Group, our focus extends beyond technical training alone. We aim to support the development of London’s green workforce by ensuring learners have access to employer aligned equipment and teaching that reflects emerging technologies and environmental priorities.
The timing of the unit’s arrival alongside the Green Skills Forum reinforces the importance of collaboration between education, awarding bodies and industry partners in addressing skills shortages.
Preparing learners for future demand
Demand for qualified refrigeration engineers and low carbon specialists continues to grow. Investments such as the F Gas Mobile Training Unit allow us to respond to that demand by expanding practical learning opportunities and strengthening links with employers.
For our learners, this means greater confidence, stronger employability and the chance to train on equipment that mirrors real working environments.
We look forward to seeing the positive impact the unit will have across our programmes and to continuing our work with partners to deliver high quality, future focused technical education.
