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This new model also made training more industry-friendly , however the problems with this model soon mounted through the SETAs not fully implementing the unit standard based qualifications , and many industries then never switched over from apprentichips . Even in the HVACR industry the apprenticeship model was never replaced – it continued in parallel with the unit standard qualification .
The two training models worked together on a rough principle of 30 % through a training provider and 70 % through the workplace provider , where obviously both parties are important in the quality of the training given . If you have a poor training provider or a poor workplace provider then you end up with a poor learner , with either model .
Adequate learning opportunities at the workplace was then pivotal because the larger proportion of the training would be carried out there , however this too carried immense challenges for the learner because , for example , they could not pass any test if the employer specialises only in display fridges while the trade includes so much more than this . You cannot qualify a learner who has work experience in only one type of unit or system . The qualification title alone – air conditioning , refrigeration and ventilation already tells you that there is much more to learn than one element , and therefore the trade test would be set around all of the elements making it impossible for these learners .
In 2018 the training landscape began to change again due to the shortcomings of both of the previous models and due largely to a push from the government side of things . Thus there was the formation of another organisation – the National Artisans Moderating Body ( NAMB ) and in partnership with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations ( QCTO ), began to revisit the training models for artisans and also began to take away some of the roles and responsibilities that had always been allocated to the SETAs .
The QCTO then decided that the qualification model needs to change to eliminate any path a learner would be on that would not have the outcome of some form of certification , and so elected a joint training system with a balanced proportion on theoretical learning , practical learning and work experience that will be delivered through the new training framework . Almost a 50 / 50 proportion between the two models .
BREAKING THE NEW TRAINING FRAMEWORK DOWN The new framework incorporates everything that is good from both models and is separated into the following two qualifications :
SAQA ID 103270 Occupational Certificate : Refrigeration Mechanic – 543 Credits
• New part-qualifications : º 01 : Domestic and Light Commercial Refrigeration
Serviceman , NQF Level 2 , Credits : 173 º 02 : Refrigeration Fitter , NQF Level 2 , Credits : 209 º 03 : Refrigerant Pipe Work Installer , NQF Level 2 , Credits : 167 º 04 : Industrial Refrigeration Mechanic Plant Room
Operator , NQF Level 2 , Credits : 110 º 05 : Mobile Refrigeration Fitter , NQF Level 4 , Credits : 399 º 06 : Refrigeration Maintenance and Repair Workman , NQF
Level 4 , Credits : 415 º 07 : Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Certificate of Compliance Verifier , NQF Level 5 , Credits : 144 º 08 : Refrigeration Control fitter , NQF Level 4 , Credits : 169
SAQA ID 103277 Occupational Certificate : Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic – 641 Credits
• New part-qualifications : º 01 : Unitary Air Conditioning Installer , Level 2 , 179 Credits . º 02 : Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems Pipework
Installer , Level 2 , 83 Credits . º 3 : Refrigerant Pipe Work Fitter , Level 2 , 103 Credits . º 04 : Evaporative Cooling Systems Installer , Level 2 , 90
Credits . º 05 : Duct Work Installer , Level 3 , 72 Credits . º 06 : Vehicle Air Conditioning Fitter , Level 2 , 69 Credits . º 07 : Air Conditioning Filtration Equipment Worker , Level 3 ,
61 Credits . º 08 : Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Compliance Verifier ,
Level 4 , 146 Credits . º 09 : Heating , Ventilation and Air Conditioning ( HVAC ) control fitter , Level 4 , 155 Credits .
The credit value is important because it indicates how long the training will go on . For every credit , 10 notational hours are allocated , so for example with the Air conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic qualification , the learner would have 6 410 hours of training through the training provider and place of work – this , roughly calculated , is just under 4 years , and ensures a thorough approach .
The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic qualification is an apex qualification – meaning it reaches a point where the learner exits and does their trade test .
The Refrigeration Mechanic qualification however has 3 possible exit levels and aims at specialisation fields , all of which are NQF level 4 , in either of the categories - and have their own trade test :
• Commercial Refrigeration Mechanic ( freons and hydrocarbons )
• Ammonia Industrial Refrigeration Mechanic
• Carbon Dioxide Industrial Refrigeration Mechanic
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RACA Journal I January 2021 www . hvacronline . co . za