Grant Laidlaw , the owner of ACRA , unveiled the training centre during an opening ceremony , signaling the beginning of a transformative journey for aspiring technicians in the HVAC and refrigeration industry . Speakers and attendees included Northern Cape Chamber of Commerce CEO Sharon Steyn ; SARACCA executive director David Botha ; the keynote address was delivered by Johnny MacKay , head of department of the Department of Roads & Public Works , Northern Cape ; Transport Education and Training Authority ( TETA ) representative Gaborone Lesito ; as well as 10 apprentices , 20 Recognition of Prior Learning ( ARP ); and an otherwise packed audience from business and the local HVAC & R community .
The establishment of the Kimberley branch is the culmination of extensive negotiations and collaborative efforts with TETA . Laidlaw expressed his gratitude for the support received in bringing this project to fruition . " This HVAC & R training and trade test centre has been a personal project close to my heart ," he stated , emphasising the collaborative nature of the endeavor .
Central to ACRA ' s mission is the training and development of future HVAC & R technicians . Laidlaw outlined the academy ' s
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commitment to providing quality education and skills training to aspiring apprentices . " Today marks the formal beginning of the project ," he announced . Under this initiative , ACRA will conduct comprehensive training programmes tailored to meet the evolving needs of the industry .
The TETA project – the 10 students and 20 ARP candidates are being sponsored by TETA – aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience , ensuring that students are equipped with the necessary skills to excel in their careers . Laidlaw emphasised the importance of hands-on training , stating , " They will have sufficient experience on the courses as this needs to be done upfront ."
Furthermore , ACRA ' s partnership with business represents a significant step towards empowering aspiring entrepreneurs in the region . Through specialised training programmes and business mentorship , ACRA seeks to cultivate a new generation of skilled professionals capable of driving economic growth and community development .
The opening of ACRA ' s Kimberley branch signifies more than just a new training centre ; it represents a beacon of hope and an opportunity for individuals seeking to pursue careers in the HVAC & R industry . As Laidlaw
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The first group of ten apprentices .
aptly summarised , " Once it ’ s launched , the ability to trade with each other begins ."
As the new training centre in Kimberley springs to life , questions arise about its potential impact beyond the city ' s borders . Grant Laidlaw , the driving force behind ACRA ' s expansion , shared insights into the project ' s significance and hinted at possibilities for replication in other towns .
Addressing inquiries about the project ' s scope , Laidlaw expressed confidence in its potential to serve as a model for future endeavors . " This is not a onceoff ," he declared . " We have the capability
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to reproduce and replicate this model elsewhere . The significance of ACRA ' s expansion extends beyond Kimberley . We ' re not just building a training centre ; we ' re laying the groundwork for future growth and development . Our goal is to create a network of training centres that empower individuals and communities to thrive ." Central to ACRA ' s mission is its commitment to empowering individuals through education and skills development . Laidlaw emphasises the role of trades and professions in driving economic growth and social progress . " These trades are essential . |