News
FUTURE TRAINING FRAMEWORK
OPENS SEVERAL NEW OPTIONS FOR INDUSTRY
By Benjamin Brits
Updated artisanal training and testing for the HVACR sector , now in the phases of conclusion , should be ready to roll out as early as the first quarter of 2021 .
After revisions started in 2018 based on various stakeholder feedback and industry challenges , the new framework should have , in fact , already been fully implemented . However , with the side effects on various roleplayers and amidst the global coronavirus pandemic , conclusion of the new qualifications has not been possible particularly related to the final stage in testing structures and facility accreditation requirements .
The new framework opens up possibilities for learners to take up either of the two revised qualifications , but further the opportunity of a number of new individual part-qualifications . This is particularly useful for companies who have areas of specialisation that can now have employees skilled in those areas relevant to their businesses . This is one of the significant developments within the framework , along with a more controlled approach not only to theoretic learning , but practical learning and required work experience , as the qualification modules express .
It must be noted upfront to avoid any confusion , or panic , that the changes to be implemented with these new HVACR sector qualifications will not hinder or delay any learners already busy working towards a qualification based on a prior qualification title or qualification number . These students will continue as per normal while the old qualifications are phased out over time . Completion of the prior qualification will be required by 2027 according to the South African Qualifications Authority ( SAQA ).
WHY THE CHANGES TO THE TRAINING FRAMEWORK , AGAIN ? It is no secret that technical vocational training across the board has been plagued with various challenges for many years now as the responsibilities , overall ownership and administration of trade occupations and certification continue to change hands .
Historically , the HVACR sector had an apprenticeship model that was completed through a refrigeration mechanic mentor . This was administered by what was then known as the various training boards , but with one trade qualification and one trade test .
More than 12 years ago now , new certifications were issued in the national qualifications framework ( NQF ) known as the Air conditioning , Refrigeration and Ventilation Mechanic that held multiple national certification levels - 2,3 and 4 - and was based on the new unit standard model accompanied by certain credit values . The NQF level 5 in this qualification rewarded completing candidates a national diploma . This qualification still exists today , but is also in a phase out stage ( SAQA QID 65449 , 65489 and 65509 ). The qualification levels [ 2,3,4 ] indicate the types of work the learner would be able to participate in .
The unit standard model was developed by the Sector Education and Training Authorities ( SETAs ), South African Qualifications Authority ( SAQA ) and later the the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations ( QCTO ) – established in 2010 – as building blocks for the particular qualifications . These building blocks are described as : “ a set of detailed statements of the desired education , training and assessment criteria for each qualification ”. Considering the two models then – the apprenticeship route vs the new unit stardard based system : the unit standard model was broken up into different levels with the advantage being that those learners who only needed to qualify in basic functions such as maintenance staff that would clean filters or plant rooms and similar types of work – or where a higher level of qualification was just not a requirement of their job , they were able to achieve a level 2 qualification , however those same learners in the apprenticeship model were left in limbo because they could never be qualified , not having completed their apprenticeship in full .
" The new framework opens up possibilities for learners to take up either of the two revised qualifications , but further the opportunity of a number of new individual part-qualifications ."
This posed an obvious and critical flaw in the apprentice model and thus led to the development and implementation of the unit standard model because it created the minimum qualification , but further offered other qualification levels giving learners the option to exit the qualification at the level appropriate to their needs .
www . hvacronline . co . za RACA Journal I January 2021 5