May 11, 2026 in News
A.G. Coombs Recognised for Major Project Excellence at ...
A.G. Coombs has been named a finalist in the Major Project Excellence category at the 2026 ARBS Industry Excellence Awards, recognising its contributi...
Holmesglen HVAC Centre of Excellence
A.G. Coombs has played an important role in the creation of a new world-class facility at Holmesglen Chadstone that brings Vocational Education and Training (VET) together with industry to secure the future of mechanical services training in Australia.
Purpose-built the HVAC Centre of Excellence is the first of its kind to offer applied learning and has been designed to offer mechanical services professionals with a clearer pathway between training and their career.
The Centre is the result of a collaborative partnership between Holmesglen and the nation’s peak mechanical contracting body, Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors’ Association (AMCA). It has also received government support through the Workforce Innovation Training Fund.
The training facility features cutting-edge equipment and technology in a simulated environment that replicate the technologically-advanced and environmentally efficient mechanical services systems found in today’s climate-controlled buildings.
As well as having been designed to upskill existing HVAC tradespeople and train tomorrow’s mechanical services professionals, the Centre also provides an opportunity for teachers to advance their skills and knowledge.
It is hoped that it will also attract new teachers to meet the increasing demand for mechanical services training.
The A.G. Coombs Group is proud to have been intimately involved in the development of the Centre, including providing direction and input to the design of the training facility.
A.G. Coombs Projects also carried out the installation and commissioning of the equipment and systems used for training. This includes air handling units, variable air volume boxes, ductwork systems, chillers, boilers, pumps, valve arrangements, an energy recovery ventilation unit, heat exchangers, chilled beams, hydronic and underfloor heating systems and various split air conditioning systems.
As well as the latest HVAC equipment, the Centre also provides industry with a glimpse into the future of digital deliverables through a Building Information Modelling (BIM) laboratory, commissioning laboratory and an augmented reality environment.
The 3D interactive model of the Centre’s laboratory not only illustrates the size and scope of the facility, but also allows the viewer to investigate various items of plant and equipment. Each “tag” provides detailed information about the asset as well as operational and maintenance information.
The new HVAC Centre of Excellence at Holmesglen’s Chadstone campus opened in late May 2019.
“The industry is rapidly evolving, with new technologies continuing to emerge,” said Holmesglen’s Dean of Building, Construction and Engineering, Ross Digby.
“This Centre will allow us to stay at our forefront and give our future learners plenty of new training opportunities.”
In his role as AMCA National President, A.G. Coombs Group Managing Director Russell Telford said that rapid advances in the HVAC industry is bringing changes to the skills required by both qualified technicians and new entrants to the industry.
“The AMCA has committed to developing and growing partnership arrangements with TAFEs to address these challenges,” he said.
He has identified three key themes for industry and VET collaboration.
“The first is to establish a culture of co-investment between VET, industry and government. The second is renewing the focus of quality industry-led outcomes. And finally, elevating the status of apprenticeships by communicating how it will lead to a sustainable career pathway.”
For more information on the interactive walkthrough and access to asset information technology go to www.vbis.com.au
To find out more about the HVAC Centre of Excellence, click here.
