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Both of the new qualifications are separated into the following modules :
• Knowledge modules ( KM ) - these must be completed at the accredited training provider .
• Practical skills modules ( PM ) – these correspond to the knowledge modules and are also completed at the training provider .
• Workplace modules ( WM ) – these all occur at the workplace .
Taking an example where the learning and practical skills modules account for 174 and 186 credits respectively , 281 hours will be spent at the workplace provider – this is a significant change from the models of the past . There is far more time spent at the training provider but this is purely because of the major challenges in the workplaces on the scope of work experience the learner can be exposed to .
The new qualifications also aim to reduce the learner being limited to such duties as only servicing and cleaning filters all the time . Learners are further required to have a log book for their workplace training . This together with the body of evidence held by the training provider and thorough training regime will further eliminate the need to be re-trained in simple work tasks which is another common challenge for the industry .
The new framework also now enables small businesses that for example only install small air conditioners who want to take on an apprentice the part qualification route through : Unitary Airconditioning Installer with a credit value of 179 , so instead of over 6 000 hours of training , the learner only required 1 790 hours and can become fully qualified in this area .
It is important then to note that each part qualification does not mean the apprentice will only be part qualified – they are fully qualified in a part of the overall qualification . This is an exciting development in that there are now many more options in qualifications for things that there weren ’ t available in the past .
The new framework has also adjusted the mentor ratio from the the old system where it was a 2 to 1 : 1 qualified artisan to 2 apprentices . Now the ration is 4 to 1 and this is also particularly useful in the workplace experience portion of training as mentors can easily issue tasks to the apprentices and monitor their work .
From the training providers side they can now also become registered for assessment in the particular part qualifications , and also build up their accreditation per module .
The differences between apprenticeship , part qualifications and skills programmes .
The current levels of qualifications in the national qualifications framework .
For the first time the industry will have training for such sectors as car air conditioning , servicing and ducting qualification , and allow a wider range of learners to be accommodated by the training provider who in the past didn ’ t fit into any particular training modules . Now too , because a learner in the apprentice model has completed 10 years of service the Artisanal Recognition of Prior Learning ( ARPL ) allows acknowledgement that the apprentice can become qualified through one of the part qualifications most suitable , and not be stuck in limbo .
The new training framework not only offers many new opportunities , but further a more comprehensive structure to ensure quality learning - leading to quality qualified artisans for the industry .
For more detailed information on the new qualifications , visit the SAQA website .
Note : At date of publishing , testing and test centre accreditation was not concluded to implement the new qualifications . RACA
www . hvacronline . co . za RACA Journal I January 2021 7