Associations
The last talk
of 2019 was
held at the
ACRA offices
in Kempton
Park.
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Must be registered with merSETA;
Must have merSETA workplace approval; and
Must have qualified technicians (the ratio of two apprentices
to one technician applies).
“The two new qualifications offer more credits than previously,
and as a result will take longer to complete. For instance, the
Occupational Certificate Refrigeration Mechanic qualification
now offers 545 credits, as opposed to 407 before,” he said.
The common core modules remain, but the new refrigeration
qualification has three possible outcomes depending on the
candidate’s area of specialisation: traditional Freons and
hydrocarbons, ammonia and CO 2 . This implies three different
trade tests. Laidlaw explains that this is because each area
requires a different skillset.
Companies can apply for
grants and all forms and
processes are available online
at various SETAs.
The second new qualification is for the occupation Air-
Conditioning Mechanic qualification which offers 659 credits and
is a four-year qualification.
www.hvacronline.co.za
New to the training arena are part qualifications. These are
national trade tested qualifications but are on focused areas
within the industry. Areas looked at are, for example:
• Domestic / light commercial refrigeration,
• Unitary air conditioning installers,
• Refrigeration pipe fitters and servicing / maintenance
personnel.
These are smaller qualifications designed to cater to specific
skills requirements and job functions of persons working in
the industry.
Laidlaw shared that there will be a new trade testing system
that will include a possible 100 jobs for each qualification. There
are also talks on having a safe-handling license for refrigerants
to be made a national skills programme. “This will become
standardised under the banner of Quality Council for Trades and
Occupations (QCTO).
“Looking at the swing to natural refrigerants and the
additional skills required for the handling of flammable
refrigerants, we are up-to-date with skills required for and training
methodologies used internationally,” he enthused.
In closing he mentioned that some of the challenges related
to training include insufficient regulatory requirements, lack
of scope for hydrocarbons within the national standards, lack
of enforcement by the Department of Labour, and prohibitive
costs in setting up carbon dioxide and ammonia training plants.
Members were treated to light snacks and drinks after the
talk. RACA
RACA Journal I January 2020
41