Cold Link Africa May 2019 | Page 4

NEWS INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN T Techniskills re-accredited for training echniskills in Cape Town was Techniskills. “Industry had become small loan from one organisation and first accredited in 2008 and was disillusioned with the state of the facilities input from all partners both on the recently re-accredited for a third and lack of growth and investment.” logistic and legal aspects to ensure cycle, this time under the Quality A meeting was requested and Hobbs compliance from the outset. In January 2010, the first refrigeration Council for Trades and Occupations met with a few of the larger role players (QCTO) banner, until 2023. in the HVAC&R industry, who gave the course commenced with six candidates assurance that if sufficient investment and the team has not looked back Gardens and was founded in 2008 and commitment were shown by since then. The short courses, all unit- with primary accreditation through Techniskills regarding constructive standard aligned, were expanded to merSETA. At that time, the accreditation programmes, personal input, and both the mechanical and electrical was used in conjunction with a Further definite relationships being forged, then aspects. merSETA accreditation for the Education and Training college (now the industry would support Techniskills (or facility was successfully attained both at called Technical, Vocational, Education United Controls and Air-conditioning, as National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and Training colleges) as it suited the it is formally known) with trainees. level as well as for a Decentralised Trade Techniskills is based in Montague requirements of all parties. In 2009, it became evident that the Suitable premises (central and convenient) were located in Station Testing centre. South African Refrigeration and Air refrigeration trade was not going to Road, Montague Gardens, and Conditioning Contractors Association receive the funds, focus, and attention investment in the building began without (SARACCA) as well as the South African it deserved, explains Geoff Hobbs of any external investment other than a Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) accreditation has also been in place since then. “The key to our success has been the ongoing personal relationships with companies, taking the interests of the company as well as the individual into consideration, thus building the existing workforce, rather than relying on private individuals,” explains Hobbs. The other key component is in understanding the requirements of the primary accrediting authority in terms of the National Skills Development Strategy targets and not simply running short courses — which carry no benefit to the parties. A lesson in progress in one of the Techniskills classrooms. Interestingly, after completing a course with John Ackermann in 1994, Hobbs ran the first actual ‘Safe Handling’ certifications under the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Council of South Africa (ACRICSA) in 2001. This was for Trane who wanted to send two candidates off to the United Arab Emirates, requiring the certification. This was but the beginning … And since then, they maintain a database of 1 400 files pertaining to the 2009 Pressure Equipment Regulations (PER), used as requirement for investigations and so on. Since 2009, 150 students have completed registered learnerships through Techniskills at NQF 2 and NQF 3 levels and The Techniskills workshop is fully equipped. many have progressed from there to their trade test. These interventions form the cornerstone of their annual training calendar, with the shorter interventions running as required, depending on industry demand. 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Tel: [phone] | Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.ombudsman.org.za for the press code This publication subscribes to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) Code of Conduct which represents truthful advertising. Should any reader feel or believe that advertising in this publication lacks substantiation, is dishonest or misleading in any way, they may refer to the ASA, www.asasa.org.za. “By means of portfolio-based training, we are able to look well past short courses to the establishment of long- term relationships, with company and value loyalty as well as confidentiality as OFFICIAL PUBLICATION key,” says Hobbs. Techniskills currently has over 250 organisations using their services. With the new re-accreditation, it’s all systems go for the future of this training Practical training is also offered on real equipment in the workshop. 4 institute in Cape Town. CLA www.coldlinkafrica.co.za COLD LINK AFRICA • May 2019