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BUSINESS ANALYSIS

Revamped national trade tests for occupations reviewed at FRIGAIR 2025 By Eamonn Ryan

Gordon Banks, vice-president and incoming president of SAIRAC SA, delivered a presentation at FRIGAIR 2025, shedding light on the new national trade tests for the various occupations within the HVAC & R industry.

His address highlighted significant shifts in accreditation, registration and assessment processes, aiming to elevate industry standards and ensure a highly skilled workforce.

Banks began by outlining the comprehensive development of systems and processes for the accreditation of assessment centres and the registration of assessment sites. These measures are designed to guarantee the quality of assessments, alongside the creation of new assessment tools and occupational qualifications. These functions are delegated through various bodies, underscoring a unified approach to skill development.

PURPOSE AND FRAMEWORK OF THE NEW NATIONAL TRADE TESTS

Banks stated: " We ' ve revamped our national trade tests with one core objective: to ensure the competency of tradespeople in the HVAC & R industry, aligning their skills with current industry standards. This new framework involves a rigorous process of assessing both practical skills and theoretical knowledge, guaranteeing the quality of trades linked with the National Qualifications Framework( NQF). A critical component of the Quality Council for Trades & Occupations( QCTO) quality assurance system is what we now call the External Integrated Summative Assessment( EISA), which were previously known as the trade test. The EISA is specifically designed to accurately reflect the up-to-date skills and knowledge required in our industry.

" Furthermore," he continued, " this system is developed to be fair and equitable for all individuals. It serves as a national examination to ensure a uniform standard across South Africa. This comprehensive approach is underpinned by the vital functions of our Assessment Quality Partners( AQPs), who play a crucial role in relation to the five key qualifications. These qualifications are, of course, registered with the QCTO and placed on the South African Qualifications Authority( SAQA) on the NQF.”

" You might be asking, ' Who are these AQPs?' Well, they are our Subject Matter Experts( SMEs). Their primary function is to ensure the quality of assessments meets stringent industry standards. Among their crucial responsibilities, AQPs develop the assessment of ARPL mechanisms and are instrumental in creating various assessment tools and instruments for each occupational qualification they assure quality. All these

vital functions are formally delegated to them by the QCTO, highlighting a unified and expert-driven approach to skill development and quality control within our industry," explained Banks.

NEW CONTEXTS FOR ASSESSMENT

A key aspect of the new framework is the introduction of three distinct contexts for trade testing, each with specific theoretical and practical requirements:

• Context 1: Fluorinated and Flammable Refrigerants: This encompasses traditional refrigerants and the growing adoption of flammable alternatives

• Context 2: Carbon Dioxide( CO2): Recognising the increasing use of CO2 in refrigeration systems, this context focuses on specialised knowledge and practical skills related to this refrigerant

• Context 3: Ammonia: This context addresses the unique safety and operational considerations associated with ammonia-based refrigeration plants

Each context will involve a blend of theoretical knowledge modules, practical modules conducted within a skills development provider facility, and workplace modules documented through a logbook.

The scope of trade tests has significantly expanded, moving from approximately 12 to 26 parts. This demands more thorough preparation from candidates. Banks detailed four basic, integrated summative assessments( ISAs) for core refrigeration mechanics:

• Refrigeration mechanic: fluorinated and flammable refrigerants

• Refrigeration mechanic: carbon dioxide

• Refrigeration mechanic: ammonia

• Air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic

In addition to these, 12 other part qualifications will be introduced. Banks emphasised that these additional qualifications are not‘ lesser’ but rather cater to specialised areas of expertise. He highlighted a common issue where individuals seeking trade tests had limited exposure to the full spectrum of refrigeration work, particularly in areas like air conditioning. The new system aims to address this by allowing individuals to be qualified in their specific area of expertise, acknowledging their valuable skills within a narrower focus.

For example, the Refrigeration Mechanic: Carbon Dioxide qualification includes a theoretical test on both generic and specialised CO2 aspects, along with practical tests focusing on electrical, generic and specific CO2 smart equipment. Similarly, the Refrigeration Mechanic: Ammonia requires theoretical knowledge of generic and specialised ammonia aspects, as well as practical proficiency in working on ammonia plants.

The inclusion of an independent Air Conditioning Integration Refrigeration Mechanic qualification is a direct response to the industry ' s need to formally recognise and certify individuals with extensive

Shortly before the SAIRAC workshop venue came to life with 17 well-attended presentations. experience solely in air conditioning. This ensures that their expertise is appropriately acknowledged within the new framework.

RIGOROUS ASSESSMENT AND NEW APPLICATION TIMELINES

The new trade tests are significantly more rigorous. Unlike previous assessments that were primarily practical, candidates will now face a theoretical component of approximately three hours, followed by two and a half days of practical assessments. This comprehensive approach, structured with the help of subject matter experts( SMEs), ensures a deeper understanding of the trade.

New rules regarding learner registration are also being implemented. Companies are now mandated to register a new learner with the learner involvement portal at learnerenrolments @ qcto. org. za within 21 working days of their engagement. Failure to do so could lead to issues later when attempting to trade test the individual. Skills Development Providers( SDPs) are also required to upload learner achievements onto the EISA website during the three-year training period and ensure the learner ' s readiness across all three components( knowledge, practical, and workplace).

RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

For Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning( ARPL) candidates, the process has also been streamlined. Candidates must now apply for ARPL through a trade test provider.

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