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Reminiscing on a lifetime in HVAC & R operations and training : The story of Peter and Isolde Dobelin . This is Part 2 of a two-part series of Dobelin ' s story , in her own words and edited by Eamonn Ryan .
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
BUSINESS AND TRAINING

Isolde Dobelin ’ s 80-year story ( Part 2 )

Reminiscing on a lifetime in HVAC & R operations and training : The story of Peter and Isolde Dobelin . This is Part 2 of a two-part series of Dobelin ' s story , in her own words and edited by Eamonn Ryan .

ESTABLISHING OTTC ( OPEN TRADE TRAINING CENTRE )
The Dobelins embarked on the ambitious journey of establishing OTTC from their home in Springs , a venture that began with a vision to provide technical education in refrigeration and other HVAC & R fields , particularly ammonia ( where they established the first ammonia course in the country ) and heat pumps . Starting initially with diploma courses and technical training , they navigated challenges such as financial constraints and logistical hurdles . The inspiration for this emanated from Peter ’ s desire to see work “ done right ”.
While Peter focused on curriculum development and delivering the courses to students , Dobelin played a crucial role in OTTC ' s early years , focusing on administration and managing the day-to-day operations of the college . Drawing from her experience at Bosch , she applied her organisational skills to build a structured learning environment . This involved coordinating with industry partners for support and handling the administrative tasks necessary for running the institution effectively .
Initially operating with minimal resources , including a makeshift classroom next to their house in Springs , the Dobelins faced the challenge of attracting students and securing funding . Their perseverance and strategic partnerships with industry players , such as wholesalers and utility companies like Eskom , gradually helped OTTC gain recognition and student enrollment .
As OTTC grew , the Dobelins acquired additional land near their existing premises and attempted to secure a bond for building a dedicated training center . Facing obstacles from financial institutions , they proceeded independently , relying on Peter ' s construction skills to build facilities themselves .
This hands-on approach not only underscored their commitment but also ensured the sustainability and growth of OTTC .
Last year was OTTC ’ s 30th anniversary . Now , its flagship course , Ammonia Safe Handling , similarly celebrates its 30th anniversary . The OTTC Ammonia diploma with the Ammonia Safe Handling course was developed on 1 September 1993 by Peter and offered to the HVAC & R industry worldwide .
Image by © Cold Link Africa
Isolde Dobelin . Ana-Marie Sibiya lecturing .
At the anniversary celebration , Isolde told the audience : “ At that time there was no ammonia training from any training institute – only product training from individual companies for their own customers and staff . At that time knowledge was passed from technician to technician and hence to Peter at the college . That ’ s how Peter gained his 11 years of experience in ammonia .”
She says that the OTTC ammonia diploma has been recognised by the international industry ever since that time . “ So far , we have graduated 550 ammonia technicians who are today working all over the world in high positions . OTTC developed and registered the OTTC Ammonia Safe Handling qualification with the experts – Anders Lindburg from Sweden , Kurt Johannsen and Bob Vuletic from South Africa for ACRICSA ( now known as SARACCA ). This followed controls being introduced in the form of the issue of a

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