12
Training
INSIGHTS FROM ACRA FOR AFRICAN DELEGATES
By Eamonn Ryan
The Skills Initiative For Africa ( SIFA ) project , late last year hosted 40 – 45 visitors from various African countries for a tour of the ACRA ( Air- Conditioning and Refrigeration Academy ) in Johannesburg , due to its status as a SIFA-recognised Centre of Excellence for all Africa .
As one of the leading HVAC & R academies in Africa , and responsible for 90 to 95 % of sector training in South Africa according to ACRA MD Grant Laidlaw , the objective of the tour was to explore means by which ACRA ’ s HVAC & R training facility could be replicated in member countries of the project to stimulate the industry in those countries , and indeed their entire economies .
The project , initiated in 2018 through a collaboration between the German government and the African Union Commission , aims to address the dual challenge of high youth unemployment and a shortage of skilled professionals .
After a presentation by Laidlaw on the foundation and workings of the academy , the delegates were given a tour of the all-important workshop where students gain practical experience . The presentation highlighted the importance of private sector engagement in fostering partnerships and raising professional profiles .
The following is an abbreviated version of Laidlaw ’ s presentation ( but given the importance of the event and subject matter will be given longer treatment in an upcoming feature dedicated to training ):
12
RACA Journal I February 2024 www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za