On Wednesday, 26 October 2022 Toowoomba business NRG Services donated a mobile cold room valued at $17,000, proudly built by Toowoomba Grammar School students under close supervision of NRG tradespeople as part of a newly developed school-based training program.
It’s part of a new forward-thinking school-based training program to address a trade skills shortage in the booming refrigeration industry, that also saw two students offered apprenticeships with NRG Services.
NRG collaborated with TAFE Qld to set up a Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start), delivered to Toowoomba Grammar School students for the first time this year. And as part of the course, NRG with the assistance of various generous suppliers donated materials and expertise to lead students in the construction of the mobile cold-rooms to be donated to both schools.
NRG Services operations manager Grant McMillan said the business, which provides trade services to the construction, health, education, rural, mining and energy sectors, initiated the course when they identified a lack of clear career pathways in the sector.
Grant said part of the problem was a lack of awareness of HVAC-R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) as a meaningful employment opportunity, although it’s one of the most in-demand and fastest-growing.
“Many students know about diesel fitting, building, plumbing and electrical but no one’s aware of the auxiliary trades and there’s some great and rewarding careers out there,” he said.
“As is the NRG way, when a solution isn’t readily available, we create one. We were placing ad after ad on job sites. We were posting on social media and implementing all of these different recruitment strategies and just never finding qualified people.
“An NRG manager suggested the company work with local high schools and TAFE to boost awareness and showcase the cool work `fridgies’, as refrigeration mechanics are known, do. So, we took it from there.”
The course exceeded expectations, with the company offering two outstanding students’ apprenticeships – one full-time and one school-based – with enrolments already filling for next year’s program.
Toowoomba Grammar School Headmaster Dr John Kinniburgh said linking with local businesses such as NRG reinforced the School’s commitment to forging links with the community and providing diverse pathways for students.
“Last year 95 per cent of our Year 12 students received their first preference university choice, but at the same time, an impressive 45 per cent completed one or more Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications,” he said.
“It underlines that tertiary education and vocational qualifications do not need to be mutually exclusive.”
Dr Kinniburgh said the school would use the cool room for the many and varied charity and sporting events held at the School, along with their major event every year, the Sony Camp that provides respite for many families with young children with special needs.
TAFE Queensland Leading Vocational Electrotechnology teacher Louis Fairbairn says partnerships with employers-of-choice such as NRG Services offered invaluable opportunities.
“Our students are picking up the tools of their trade, solving problems on the go and forging valuable connections with an amazing local employer,’’ Louis said.
Participants complete five weeks of work experience with NRG Services tradespeople, along with TAFE-delivered lessons as part of the 12-month course.
NRG also provided all students with a full tool kit, including a Milwaukee drill. As part of the Cert II course, students also gain a White Card needed to work on Queensland construction sites and credit towards the first stage of an electrical apprenticeship.
NRG Services marks its 10th year in business this year, with new apprentice Lachlan joining a team of about 160 based out of Toowoomba, Brisbane and Roma.
“We’re just looking for young adults with great attitudes and a willingness to learn from this great program and we can teach the rest,” Grant said.
Latest News
Super Swimmers Bring Back National Medal Haul
Toowoomba Grammar School swimming club is celebrating after a very successful National Age Championship representation in Adelaide from April 12-19. Three swimmers brought home five medals between them, ranking them among the best in the country in their respective age divisions. Mackenzie Grimes won silver in the 13 years girls 50m backstroke and silver in the 13 years girls 100m backstroke. She was also selected to represent Queensland in the 4 x 50m mixed medley relay. Sienna Deurloo won a…
The Gift of Music
The Gift of Music Janelle Fletcher with past and current studentsYou can feel the pride and passion exude from Janelle Fletcher as she reflects on her thirty-year career as a Music Tutor at Toowoomba Grammar School. “It’s a long time to stay in any job,” she admitted. “But working with the boys, seeing how important it is to have music in their lives and to develop not only as musicians but as people, that’s what’s kept me here.” Janelle believes staff in an all-boys’ school have a real…
TGS Athletes Have World Championships in Sight
TGS Athletes Have World Championships in SightToowoomba Grammar School athletes will have eight representatives at the Australian Track and Field Championships from 26 March – 3 April after the boys excelled at the State Titles. TGS brought home seven medals from States, with four current students and three Old Boys enjoying podium places at the titles which were held from March 3-6. Old Boy (2019-20), Jai Gordon continued to impress, qualifying for the Australian U20 team in both the 100m and…
Historic 1st XI Cricket Match
Historic 1st XI Cricket Match Toowoomba Grammar School is celebrating an impressive milestone against Brisbane Grammar School on Saturday, 12 March with our 1st XI cricket team playing their 750th match! This is a huge achievement for any sporting organisation, particularly considering this is counted on GPS games – so there are roughly only seven games each year; it’s taken a long time to reach this weekend’s historic occasion. It will presumably be another 37-40 years before they play the…
New Uniforms for our 1st Teams
New Uniforms for our 1st TeamsToowoomba Grammar School is excited to launch our fresh, new uniforms for the 1st squads as the first GPS School to partner with internationally recognised sporting company, New Balance. This is the first stage in an extensive re-design and standardisation of all the School’s sports and activities uniforms which will be gradually rolled out over the next two years. These bold new 1sts uniforms have been designed specifically to honour the tradition of the Blue and…
Mr Brad Allen – Head of House – Mackintosh Boarding
Mr Brad Allen – Head of House – Mackintosh BoardingMr Brad Allen & familyThe new Head of House, Mackintosh Boarding, Mr Brad Allen has a strong rural background and loves the sense of community that comes with boarding in a regional city. “My experience as a boarder helps me excel in the role of Head of House because I know what the boys are experiencing – I’ve lived it,” stated Brad. “I understand how challenging it is to be away from home and the sacrifices that families make for the boys…
Mr Eugene Massi – Head of House – Taylor Boarding
Mr Eugene Massi – Head of House – Taylor BoardingMr Eugene Massi & FamilyTo develop men of good character is the main aim of Toowoomba Grammar School’s new Head of Taylor Boarding House, Mr Eugene Massi. “The unique environment of Boarding provides an opportunity unlike any other. It allows for boys to connect with each other, develop meaningful and long-lasting relationships and allows them to develop and grow as individuals,” said Eugene. Eugene is grateful for his positive role-models in…
Mr Chris Stearn – Head of House – Groom Boarding
Mr Chris Stearn – Head of House – Groom BoardingMr Chris Stearn & family, Head of House - Groom BoardingThe values of hard work, giving back to others and the importance of family are the driving factors in Chris Stearn’s teaching career. The new Toowoomba Grammar School Head of Groom House was raised in England. His father was a Woodwork teacher and his mother a primary school teacher spealising in textiles. “I never thought I’d be a teacher,” stated Mr Stearn with a smile. “It didn’t…
Introducing TGS’s new Director of Boarding, Mr Nick Byron
Introducing TGS’s new Director of Boarding, Mr Nick ByronMr Nick Byron, Director of BoardingThis is the best time possible to take over the role as Director of Boarding according Mr Nick Byron who is settling into his new appointment at Toowoomba Grammar School. “There is a lot of new staff bringing fresh ideas and positive energy to the School and it’s very exciting to be part of this new chapter,” said Mr Byron.“I’m looking forward to meeting the TGS community, particularly the boarding…
