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BUSINESS AND TRAINING
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
They form the backbone of our economy and society ."
With ACRA ' s state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive training programmes , Laidlaw envisions a future where similar centres flourish in towns across the region . " It ' s fully accredited ," he emphasises . " This is a full-on trade centre , equipped to meet the needs of aspiring technicians . Our goal is to offer turnkey solutions to meet the evolving demands of the industry ."
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 ," he states . " They form the backbone of our economy and society ."
As ACRA continues to expand its footprint , Laidlaw remains steadfast in his dedication to providing opportunities for growth and advancement . " We believe in the potential of our students ," he says . " And we ' re committed to supporting them every step of the way ."
The inauguration of ACRA ' s Kimberley branch marks the beginning of a new chapter in skills training and development . With its success poised to inspire similar initiatives elsewhere , ACRA stands at the forefront of a movement aimed at empowering individuals and communities through education and opportunity .
Laidlaw recounted the journey that led to the establishment of ACRA ' s Kimberley branch , emphasising the collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships that made it possible . " This project is the culmination of years of planning and collaboration . It ' s a testament to what can be achieved when communities , businesses , and government work together towards a common goal ."
Steyn in turn highlighted the challenges faced by businesses in the Northern Cape , emphasising the need to retain
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1 . Grant Laidlaw gets the ceremony under way . 2 . Johnny MacKay , head of department of the Department of Roads & Public Works , Northern Cape .
local enterprises and skills to promote economic growth . She commended ACRA for its commitment to addressing these challenges through initiatives like the HVAC academy , which not only provides valuable training opportunities , but also contributes to the growth of critical sectors such as infrastructure development .
She praises ACRA ' s collaborative approach , noting its partnerships with organisations like the Small Business Institute and the associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry . These affiliations , she explains , enable ACRA to leverage resources and advocate for policies that support entrepreneurship and economic development .
Steyn ’ s remarks reflected a broader commitment to empowering individuals and communities in the Northern Cape . She emphasises the importance of equipping people with the skills and knowledge needed to participate fully in the economy – particularly women , who have historically been underrepresented in business and politics .
As the ACRA academy begins its operations , Steyn pledged the full support of the Northern Cape Chamber of Commerce , promising to work closely with ACRA to ensure the success of its programmes . She encouraged stakeholders to spread the word about the academy and its offerings , emphasising the transformative impact it could have on individuals and the region as a whole .
In closing , Steyn congratulated ACRA on the successful launch of its HVAC academy and expressed her confidence in its ability to drive positive change in Kimberley and beyond . Her words echoed the sentiments of many attendees , who hailed ACRA ' s initiative as a significant step towards building a more prosperous and inclusive future for the Northern Cape .
MacKay delivered a stirring speech , which also highlighted the significance of skills development in addressing infrastructure challenges and fostering economic growth in the region . He noted that the inauguration of ACRA ' s HVAC & R training academy marks a pivotal moment in the Northern Cape ' s efforts to bridge skills gaps and empower its workforce . He emphasises the role of vocational training in driving inclusive development , as well as multi-sectoral collaboration in expanding vocational training opportunities and aligning skills development with market demand . He stressed the need for partnerships between industry and academia to ensure that training programmes equip individuals with relevant skills that meet the industry ’ s needs .
Highlighting the Department of Public Works ’ commitment to skills development , MacKay outlined initiatives aimed at enhancing vocational training in the region . He cited the department ' s strategic partnership with ACRA to establish a fully accredited refrigeration training facility as a significant step towards nurturing the next generation of HVAC professionals .
TETA COMMENDS ACRA ' S NEW HVAC ACADEMY
Gaborone Lesito , a representative of TETA praised the collaborative effort behind the establishment of ACRA ' s new HVAC training academy in Kimberley . In his address at the academy ' s opening ceremony , Lesito emphasises the importance of partnerships in ensuring the success and sustainability of such initiatives , as well as the need for adherence to established processes and policies to ensure the long-term impact and effectiveness of the academy .
He expressed optimism about the potential for similar projects to be replicated in other regions , ultimately contributing to broader economic growth and development . Lesito also addresses concerns about potential brain drain due to skills exportation , suggesting that building sufficient capacity locally could turn this trend around . He encouraged government representatives and businesses to collaborate with TETA and other stakeholders to support skills development initiatives like ACRA ' s academy .
The talk by David Smith of SARACCA will be covered in Cold Link Africa July / August . CLA
22 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za COLD LINK AFRICA • June 2024