Cold Link Africa September 2023 | Page 3

ISSN 2412-7779
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
REGULARS
3 Editors column 33 Products 34 Buyer ’ s guide 35 Wordsearch
NEWS
4 MSA Safety celebrates anniversary of Bacharach acquisition 4 Staycold International invests in new manufacturing equipment 5 Cool Kenya launches first NCAP 5 Rwanda and UK Governments join IFC to advance Africa cold chain progress
ASSOCIATIONS
8 GCCA : Africa Future Leader Award finals 9 Training takes higher profile at SAQCC Gas and SARACCA 11 John Geoffrey Parry : 19 June 1995 – 10 June 2023 13 RETA : sharing expertise with Africa 15 Lessons learned : implementing a crisis management plan
Cold Link Africa Online
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EVENTS & EXHIBITIONs
17 The GCCA Cold Chain conference 2-4 August in Cape Town 19 See the latest in design , technology and trends at FRIGAIR 2025 21 Schneider Electric MEA talks the cold chain 23 New regulation to build more resilient SA transport
FEATURE
24 Tool connectivity is here to stay
PROJECT
28 Clover SA , at the forefront of efficient and sustainable solutions and heat pump technology
BUSINESS AND TRAINING
30 Four new Ammonia graduates made at OTTC 31 C . AR . EL ’ s 50 year history
CONTRIBUTORS
32 Aligning with RETA and ATSI in Africa
REGULARS

CONTENTS

VOL . 37 - NO . 5 | SEPTEMBER 2023
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The benefits of trade apprenticeships for SA school-leavers

EDITOR ’ S COLUMN

The end of the year is steadily approaching , which means schoolleavers should be thinking about their post-matric futures .

In today ' s uncertain economic climate , it has become increasingly important for South African school-leavers to consider practical career paths that offer promising futures and job security . While school-leavers might not be reading this magazine – this article could inspire their dads to have a word with them .
While completing a BA degree has long been seen as a desirable option , recent realities remind us that it doesn ' t always guarantee employment . In contrast , trade apprenticeships provide a remarkable alternative pathway , granting learners handson experience , skills development and a substantial chance of securing a job upon completion .
Trade apprenticeships offer direct involvement in practical work that develops essential skills and knowledge . Unlike a BA course , which often focuses on theory and conceptual frameworks , apprenticeships provide hands-on experience in a specific trade . This enables learners to gain practical skills that are valued by employers . Through on-the-job training , apprentices not only become technically competent but also acquire problemsolving abilities , critical thinking , teamwork and effective communication skills . These attributes are highly sought after in today ' s competitive job market .
South Africa ' s economy heavily relies on skilled artisans in various trades , ranging from HVACs , refrigeration , plumbing , electrical work and welding , to carpentry , bricklaying and automotive maintenance . By choosing to pursue a trade apprenticeship ,
school-leavers invest their time and energy in acquiring skills that align with the booming industries , guaranteeing a higher chance of immediate employment upon completion . The demand for skilled tradespeople in these areas ensures that apprentices have a wide range of job opportunities and the potential for career growth .
One of the most significant advantages of trade apprenticeships is the assurance of job security . Let ' s face it : the economy is unpredictable and traditional jobs aren ' t as stable – or even available - as they used to be . In contrast , tradespeople possess highly specialised skills that are always in demand , mitigating the risk of unemployment . Skilled artisans are essential in maintaining and developing infrastructure , making them valuable assets in any economy . Furthermore , those who pursue trade apprenticeships often have the opportunity to become self-employed or start their own businesses , creating endless possibilities for financial independence and success . The trade skills in South Africa are identical to those in any other country .
While pursuing a BA degree often requires a minimum of three to four years , trade apprenticeships allow school-leavers to enter the workforce much sooner . By choosing this path , apprentices start gaining experience and earning an income at an early stage in their careers , reducing the amount of time spent in education and , in turn , minimising the financial burden of student debt . This accelerated entry into the workforce puts trade apprentices ahead of their peers in terms of experience and job opportunities .
Choosing a career based on one ' s strengths and interests ensures personal
fulfilment and job satisfaction . Many matriculants are orientated towards practical skills and enjoy working with their hands , thus finding immense satisfaction in trades and craftsmanship . Trade apprenticeships allow them to pursue their passions . Being confident in one ' s chosen career enhances overall well-being , prosperity and personal growth .
Apprenticeships are consequently a more cost-effective way of acquiring education and skills in South Africa , compared to traditional formal education pathways . To summarise , here are a couple of reasons why apprenticeships are often considered more affordable :
Earn while you learn : unlike university or college education where students typically pay tuition fees , apprenticeships often involve on-the-job training and earning a salary or stipend . This allows apprentices to financially support themselves while gaining practical skills and knowledge .
Reduced expenses : apprenticeships generally have lower costs associated with them as compared to formal education . Apprentices may not have to pay for tuition , textbooks or other educational resources that can significantly add to the overall cost of education .
Despite these advantages , apprenticeships are not as widely pursued by school-leavers in South Africa . Several factors contribute to this :
There is often a societal and media bias towards traditional academic education , with many considering it as the preferred or more prestigious pathway . Apprenticeships are sometimes unfairly portrayed as secondtier
options , leading to a lack of awareness and appreciation for vocational training opportunities .
There is the possibility of a disconnect between the skills taught through apprenticeships and the skills in demand in the job market . This misalignment can dissuade school leavers from pursuing apprenticeships if they believe that their chosen trade or profession may not offer good long-term prospects . This can be avoided by careful management of the process .
Efforts are being made by the government and various stakeholders to promote apprenticeships and bridge the gap between education and the needs of the job market . These include initiatives such as expanding apprenticeship programmes , providing incentives to employers to take on apprentices , and raising awareness about the benefits of vocational training . . CLA
Eamonn

COLD LINK AFRICA • September 2023 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za 3