BUSINESS AND TRAINING |
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN |
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SARACCA card in South Africa requiring that only qualified people with training on safety should work on ammonia systems .”
Speaking previously at the college ’ s 30th anniversary , Dobelin had lauded tradespeople in the following terms as being “ the ones who can run our cities and are essential in the world today ”.
“ While other professionals can think up concepts and designs , it is tradespeople who can make those designs and ideas a reality and improve the world . Learning and experience through training is what makes that happen – and by the opportunity to gain from masters in their fields ,” she said .
Dobelin says OTTC ’ s approximately 550 ammonia graduates demonstrate the value of that knowledge offload by master mentors such as Kurt Johannsen , who is a long-time lecturer on ammonia at OTTC and now Ana-Marie Sibiya . “ She did her OTTC Ammonia Diploma in 2009 under Kurt Johannsen . She is the first woman in the world to graduate in ammonia and has worked since in the industry hands-on like a man does . This experience encouraged me to ask her to take on training ammonia at OTTC , which she has since 2021 . She does an excellent job ,” says Dobelin .
HIGHLIGHTS
Over the span of 30 years , OTTC has seen significant achievements and contributions to the field of HVAC & R education :
• Course development and structure : Isolde mentions that all courses were
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initially crafted by Peter , drawing on his technical expertise . She adapted the organisational structure and administrative processes from her experience at Robert Bosch , ensuring a robust educational framework .
• Early challenges and growth : Starting with diploma courses in refrigeration and later expanding to include practical training , OTTC faced initial financial and logistical challenges . However , strategic partnerships with industry players and dedicated efforts helped them gain recognition .
• Student engagement : Isolde emphasises the role of personal motivation and mentorship in student success . Her involvement extended beyond administration to motivating and supporting students through their educational journey , ensuring high achievement rates .
• International recognition : OTTC ' s reputation extended internationally , particularly in Germany , where they maintained old relationships and garnered support and patronage from industry leaders like NKF and IKKE Mr . Karsten Bermann . This relationship boosted OTTC ' s visibility and credibility in the global HVAC & R community .
The passing of Peter Dobelin in 2002 posed a critical juncture for OTTC . Despite the loss , Isolde Dobelin , along with her daughter Susanne - having a two-years refrigeration apprenticeship from Peter
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Graduates from the OTTC ammonia course .
prior to emigrating to South Africa - and supportive colleagues from Gelsenkirchner Hochschule Professor Achim Bothe , resolved to continue Peter ' s legacy . They navigated financial challenges , including unpaid government projects , with determination and support from friends and partners in Germany .
Dobelin had always planned to retire at age 80 . However , she plans to remain involved with OTTC and in fact lives literally across the road , leveraging her extensive experience and dedication to continue nurturing the institution ’ s growth . She acknowledges the importance of staying rooted in South Africa , close to OTTC , and maintaining the legacy she and Peter built over three decades .
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Her story with OTTC exemplifies resilience , dedication , and passion for education . Her journey from starting a college from home to establishing a renowned technical training centre underscores the impact of entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community development . As she looks ahead , Isolde ' s resolve to carry forward OTTC ' s mission reflects a lifelong dedication to empowering students and advancing technical skills in South Africa ' s workforce .
Their story serves as inspiration for aspiring educators and entrepreneurs , highlighting the transformative power of education and perseverance in overcoming challenges to build something enduring and impactful . CLA
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