The Australian education landscape has a long history and focus on hands-on technical training.

Immersing students into practical training begins as early as primary school but is expanded on as students are offered high school electives in trade-based subjects. Students wanting to pursue these courses can also elect to further their studies through a range of TAFE and vocational programs in areas including woodworking, metalwork and welding, automotive mechanics and fitting and machining. 

The inclusion of these hands-on subjects is promising for the future of trades in Australia but comes with increasing challenges as we become more aware of the issues that airborne containments created in these environments have on students and staff. During these practical classes the air is contaminated with particles like wood dust, oil mist, metal dust and exhaust gases. Without proper extraction solutions for these contaminants air quality can be comprised.  This can potentially lead to long term health issues for staff and students, and more immediately to disruptions in the learning environment. 

Optimising education settings with air extraction 

In order to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment, schools and TAFEs offering these classes need to install effective air extraction solutions. We offer premium air extraction and filtration systems that are specifically designed to tackle the unique challenges faced in educational settings. 
These classrooms often have a large number of students participating in practical activities, and this can increase the volume of airborne contaminants significantly. The varied nature of the activities often conducted in one space also offers a challenge as this produces a wide array of pollutants. The frequent use of industry related machinery can further exacerbate the generation of airborne particles in these areas. Our tailored air extraction solutions, schools and TAFEs can ensure a safe learning environment without comprising the health of students and staff. 

Creating safe and productive workshops in education with innovative products 

When looking for specialised air filtration and extraction devices in education, We have a range of options that can be customised for each industry. Woodworking activities generate fine dust that poses respiratory risks and fire hazards. We offer a wide range of dust collection systems, filtration solutions and extraction arms to capture this dust efficiently, ensuring a cleaner and safer environment. 
Metalworking processes, such as welding and grinding, produce harmful fumes and particles that can lead to serious health issues. The Oil Mist Filter FibreDrain and FlexPAK central vacuum cleaning systems address these contaminants with high-performance filtration. 
For automotive workshops, removing dangerous fumes created by vehicle exhaust is crucial to prevent respiratory problems. Our Exhaust Rail System and MagnaTrack are engineered to remove exhaust fumes directly from vehicles, maintaining fresh air. Incorporating these advanced solutions in educational institutions can create healthier learning environments, align with regulatory standards, and enhance the overall safety and effectiveness of educational workshop areas.

Insights from international education installations

Our installation of a comprehensive extraction solution at the VTI Bruges Campus in Belgium offers Australian counterparts a great example of the systems we have available in modern vocational education settings. The campus, which spans 17,500 square metres, includes classrooms and workshops for mechanical, electrical, and automotive training, with over 30 welding stations and several automotive workshops.
To address the challenges of maintaining a healthy work environment in such a large and diverse educational setting, we installed extraction units above all welding stations and connected them to the MCP SmartFilter, supported by a Combifab fan in a sound enclosure. These flexible extraction arms allow for the efficient removal of welding fumes and other hazardous particles at the source, ensuring students can work in a safe and clean environment.
With local specialists backed by global expertise and experience, Australian educational institutions have the option to partner with us and create personalised air extraction and filtration solutions like VTI Bruges Campus has. Choosing to install our products allows Australian schools and TAFEs to create healthier learning environments that align with the global standards of excellence in vocational education.

Why air quality matters in Australian education 

We are fortunate to live in a country with some of the cleanest air in the world, and we want future generations of students to be able to learn new skills in hands-on workshops environments that are safe and offer clean, breathable air. By prioritising clean air in the education industry, we can help future workers sustain their well-being and thrive in their chosen careers for many years to come.
By investing in our air filtration solutions, schools and TAFEs can create spaces where students are free to focus on their education, without worrying about air quality. Our systems not only meet Australian and international regulatory requirements but also contribute to a healthier, more productive learning environment, where students and staff can work to their true potential.