New occupational qualification for the HVAC & R sector By Hennie Basson , managing member : Raetech Training Centre Education and skills development in South Africa is a process of change .
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
BUSINESS AND TRAINING
New occupational qualification for the HVAC & R sector By Hennie Basson , managing member : Raetech Training Centre Education and skills development in South Africa is a process of change .
These measures contained in the new occupational qualification for the HVAC & R sector have , and will , leave no enterprise or individual untouched . It poses many challenges in order to make it effective and the structures and requirements implemented to date require new skills and paradigm shifts within public and business enterprises .
The heating , ventilation , air conditioning and refrigeration ( HVAC & R ) industry is a large and important sector in the economy ; therefore it is vital that role players in the education system ensure that the training for this sector is of the highest quality , and that the responsibility not be left only to government , as there is a need to engage in a public and private partnership .
The deficiencies in the system can be identified and addressed to provide quality learning and be responsive to changing demands and foster a culture of lifelong learning . Industry , through organised institutions like SAIRAC and SARACCA , were part of the development of the Occupational Qualification Curriculums for Quality Council for Trades and Occupations ( QCTO ).
STRUCTURE OF THE OCCUPATIONAL QUALIFICATION
The legacy qualifications consist of multiple individual unit standards , each focusing on practical competencies , theoretical knowledge and critical crossfield outcomes . On the other hand , QCTO qualifications divide the legacy unit standards into three distinct modules :
• Knowledge module : theory component
• Practical module : all practical component
• Work experience module : prescript of workplace experience required for the qualification
The knowledge module and the practical module need to be done in a QCTOaccredited training centre and the workplace experience module needs to be done at an approved workplace employer .
The legacy qualification unit standards expired on 30 June 2023 , while the last date of trade test will be 30 June 2027 for all learners that were enrolled under the legacy qualifications . The impact is that the occupational qualification is effective from this year . The minimum requirement under the legacy qualification was that a learner required a minimum academic qualification of a full N2 certificate . The national certificates came to an end on 30 June 2023 . The knowledge modules include the theoretical content required for the specific full or part qualification .
The full qualifications – Air Conditioning Refrigeration Mechanic and Refrigeration
Mechanic – are structured that there are exit levels should a learner wish to exit at a specific level . The most important addition is the part qualifications which will enable a worker to perform specific tasks in the trade for which they do not require the full qualification , and can obtain a part qualification in their field of expertise .
The full and part qualification makes provision for articulation levels : vertical and horizontal . It provides the opportunity for the learner to articulate horizontally to extend the current qualification to meet the requirements of other part qualifications . The vertical articulation is to obtain the next NQF Level from the current NQF level reached .
THE QUALIFICATION
There are two main qualifications and 15-part qualifications spreading out of the main qualifications .
No Description SAQA ID Credits NQF Level Full / Part Qualification 1 Air conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic 103277 641 4 Full 2 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Certificate of Conformity 103272 142 4 Part 3 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Compliance Verifier 103726 146 4 Part 4 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems Pipework Installer 103278 83 3 Part 5 Air Conditioning Filtration Equipment Worker 104618 61 3 Part 6 Mobile Refrigeration Fitter 103267 399 4 Part 7 Domestic and light commercial refrigeration serviceman 103279 173 2 Part 8 Industrial Refrigeration Mechanic Plant Room Operator 103280 112 2 Part 9 Evaporative Cooling Systems Installer 104460 90 2 Part 10 Duct Work Installer 104619 72 3 Part 11 Heating , Ventilation and Air Conditioning ( HVAC ) Control Fitter 104620 155 4 Part 12 Refrigerant Pipe Work Fitter 104800 104 2 Part 13 Refrigeration Control Fitter 103271 169 4 Part 14 Refrigeration Fitter 103268 209 2 Part 15 Refrigeration Maintenance and Repair workman 103266 419 2 Part 16 Refrigeration Mechanic 103270 543 4 Full 17 Refrigeration Pipework Installer 103265 167 2 Part
MAIN QUALIFICATIONS
The difference between the two main qualifications is :
• The air conditioning refrigeration mechanic is aimed at the heating , ventilation and air conditioning industry and the minimum requirement is grade 9 or NQF level 2 .
• The refrigeration mechanic is aimed at the refrigeration industry and on NQF Level 3 the learner has a choice to specialise in one of three options : ammonia , CO 2 or ‘ F gases ’.
TRADE TEST
The trade tests for the different full and part qualifications are under development . In the interim the legacy trade test will be valid .
The curriculum and assessment documents are available on QCTO ’ s website , which can be accessed for detailed information on the different full and part qualifications . CLA
Images supplied by Raetech Training Centre
Hennie Basson welcomed guests in the laboratory , having eight miniature cold rooms with R290 charged refrigeration systems .
A selection of training material compiled by Hennie Basson .
COLD LINK AFRICA • March / April 2024 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za 21