Reminiscing on a lifetime in HVAC & R operations and training : The story of Peter and Isolde Dobelin . This is Part 1 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
Reminiscing on a lifetime in HVAC & R operations and training : The story of Peter and Isolde Dobelin . This is Part 1 of a two-part series of Dobelin ' s story , in her own words and edited by Eamonn Ryan .
The HVAC & R journey of Isolde Dobelin ( henceforth referred to as Dobelin ), owner of OTTC ( Open Trade Training Centre ), began through marriage .
Her story is intertwined with that of her husband the late Peter Dobelin ' s pioneering work in HVAC & R technology , exemplifying a journey marked by perseverance , innovation , and global engagement . Their move to South Africa not only expanded their professional horizons but also left a lasting legacy in the field of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability .
Dobelin ’ s husband , Peter , was deeply immersed in the field , working for Ahlborn in Hildesheim , Germany , a company pivotal in manufacturing equipment for breweries and dairies . Ahlborn was under the leadership of Werner Fiedler – the first German apprentice and first German Master – who was previously working for Josef Bieber developing the refrigeration trade for Germany . They played a crucial role in organising and standardising refrigeration and air conditioning training in Germany during the late 1960s to 1972 .
Dissatisfied with the constraints of home life , he made a bold decision to strike out on his own at the age of 17 , having already qualified as an electrician . Packing only essentials , he set out on a journey from his hometown Sulzburg 30km south from Freiburg Black Forest to Hamburg , fuelled by determination and a dream of joining the Marines .
Cold nights under bridges and meagre meals were his companions until a chance encounter with a priest changed his fortune .
Guided to a boarding house for apprentices , he found stability and a path forward . His work ethic and affable nature quickly earned him a position with Siemens , where he worked on ships as electrician for a while until he could join the navy with Stines Readerei handling coal for steam engines , and ultimately the Marines , where his prior maritime experience proved invaluable . His dedication earned him an extended service term , further enriching his skills and perspectives . This experience not only honed his technical skills but also instilled in him a resilience and camaraderie that would define his career .
After completing his military duty , Peter redirected his career path towards commercial refrigeration , joining Linde in Freiburg . His background as an electrician provided a solid foundation , but it was his hands-on experience and mastery of refrigeration techniques that propelled him forward .
THE BIRTH OF FORMALISED REFRIGERATION TRAINING
Before efforts led by figures like Bieber , refrigeration training in Germany was informal , aligned with mechanical trades . The 1961 initiative to establish proper training culminated in the first refrigeration exhibition in Stuttgart , marking a significant milestone in the industry ' s development . The birth of their children marked a new chapter , prompting Dobelin moving from Munich to Sulzburg . Peter was transferred from Ahlborn Munich to Baden Wuertemberg building the Dairy Mannheim and Koblenz , as manager of work .
Images by © Cold Link Africa
Isolde Dobelin at OTTC ’ s 30th anniversary last year .
OTTC plans to develop Skills City .
COLD LINK AFRICA • September 2024 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za 17