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Training is also provided in the safe use of HC refrigerants ie R290 and R600a .
in the premises presently still occupied . During the setting up , Brian Simpson , an accredited assessor and moderator in the fitting and electrical trades and also an ex staff member of Wingfield Technical College had joined Hobbs . The first class was six people sent by Johan Maasch of Refrigeration
Solutions for two weeks of basic training in refrigeration . “ From our early beginnings , Johan Maasch was a strong supporter of Techniskills and we will always be indebted to him for his deep commitment towards thorough training and the upliftment of skills in our industry ,” Hobbs noted .
All learners and visitors to Techniskills are greeted by Lizette Fox who also readily provides any needed info about training admin , registrations and even course syllabi .
One of Brian Simpson ’ s training areas where hand tools , fitting and measuring skills are taught .
Kelvin Nkandu , a university graduate employed in his father ’ s business , Henkatronics , is in training towards a qualified refrigeration practitioner .
Techniskills have remained in their original home since 2010 .
The college has working equipment of cold rooms , condensing units , electrical panels , work benches for hand tool training and two lecture rooms on two floors . Much of the equipment has been donated or funded by an original loan of R100 000,00 from SARACCA , and later repaid in full . All equipment is well maintained and needs repairs after some mishap by students but always ends well . Since 2018 , A-Gas has generously supplied the college with all its refrigerant usage needs .
Student numbers average 12 per class and most continuous courses are split into two-week modules to allow for gaining in-field experience between training sessions . “ We are never in a hurry to push students . They are left to progress at their own rate and will only be certified as competent once we are satisfied with their outcome ,” says Hobbs .
Many short courses are also conducted to meet specific client needs , for example Coca Cola vending cabinets , split air conditioning installers or only SAQCC-Gas registration in the Safe Handling of Refrigerants ( Categories A1
to A5 ). Many short courses are also done over weekends and the going charge rate at Techniskills is equivalent to R4 000 / week / student .
The QCTO ( Quality Council for Trades and Occupations ) accreditation renewed in 2019 for a further 4 years , authorises Techniskills to conduct Learnership and Apprenticeship training . The renewal in March 2020 for a further 4 years of the NAMB ( National Artisan Moderating Body ) accreditation grants the right to conduct trade tests in accordance with national standards and requirements .
During a visit to Techniskills , Cold Link Africa was able to chat to one of the learners , Gustav Albrecht , who was busy with his fourth ½ day training sessions . As to how he got to Techniskills proved interesting . After completing his studies at the Durbanville High School in 2010 , Gustav tried various avenues to generate an income , even the breeding of snakes for the US export market .
In March 2020 , on recommendation of a friend , he joined Fin Air , an air conditioning contractor in Brackenfell .
COLD LINK AFRICA • January / February 2021 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za 33