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.”
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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.
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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:
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RACA Journal I January 2020
www.hvacronline.co.za