RACA Journal January 2020 | Page 42

Associations SAIRAC LOOKS AT STATE OF TRAINING By Ntsako Khosa To close off the SAIRAC Technical Talks for 2019, Grant Laidlaw spoke about the state of training in the HERVAC industry. H eld at the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Academy (ACRA) in Kempton Park last year, past president and national treasurer, Grant Laidlaw, took the opportunity to update members about the changes related to training as a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) technician. Before kicking things off, centre chairman, Robert Fox, took attendees through the formalities, giving notices, announcing upcoming events and courses and handing out certificates to new members and course attendees. Laidlaw began with the changes that impacted on apprenticeships, part qualifications and skills programmes. “Learnerships are gradually being phased out, new registrations will not be accepted after 2024,” he said. The current apprenticeship programme is a national qualification that takes two to four years to complete. This is currently being replaced by a new system and a new curriculum. “The new system will have three components; knowledge (provided by an accredited training provider); a practical component (also provided by an accredited training provider); and a workplace component that is also accredited. The mentor ratio has been increased from 2:1 to 4:1.” 1. 2. 3. National treasurer, Grant Laidlaw, was the speaker of the night. From left: Louis Mokoena and Neels Niemand received certificates from Robert Fox for courses they attended. Phiri Arens received a new membership certificate. 2 3 1 An apprenticeship consists of a fully-managed process of formal modular training – theoretical and practical components at a training provider, making up 48% of the programme, and a workplace component that makes up 52%. The apprenticeship contract is registered at a Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA). Proof of training is attained through logbooks, attendance documentation and reports. To set up the programme, companies need to appoint a skills development facilitator who will assist were necessary and apply for workplace approval. Companies can apply for grants and all forms and processes are available online at various SETAs. In order to qualify for Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA) grants, companies must meet the following criteria: 40 RACA Journal I January 2020 www.hvacronline.co.za