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INDUSTRY FEEDBACK AND RECOMMENDATIONS Following the presentation , there were comments from stakeholders expressing concern about the current state of public TVET colleges . The challenges faced by learners , including outdated curricula and inadequate practical training , were highlighted as significant issues . There was also a call for a review of the funding and support mechanisms for internships and learnerships , emphasising the need for renewed industry involvement and commitment .
A significant issue raised was the misalignment between the training provided by TVET colleges and the actual requirements of the industry . Many colleges were found to be offering theoretical courses rather than practical , hands-on training . This gap necessitates a reassessment of the curriculum to ensure it meets industry standards and prepares students for real-world applications .
Grant Laidlaw , owner of ACRA ( Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Academy ) was asked to give opinion , which he did as follows :
• Training requirements for lecturers : It was emphasised that lecturers need to have substantial experience in the HVAC & R field to effectively teach and train students . Short courses alone are insufficient ; instead , experienced professionals should be recruited and trained as lecturers to ensure high-quality education .
• Transition between old and new qualifications : The QCTO had recently canceled many old qualifications , transitioning to new occupation-based qualifications . This shift has created a temporary void , with some training providers and learners caught between the old and new systems . Accreditation for legacy qualifications has been extended until December 2025 to address this gap .
• Curriculum updates : The new qualifications align with international standards and include the latest refrigerants and energy efficiency practices . However , the trade testing for these new qualifications is still
There is a call for stronger collaboration between public institutions and private industry to address the shortage of qualified lecturers and technicians .
RACA Journal I January 2025
RACA Journal being finalised , with full implementation expected in the coming months .
To address the challenges identified , he recommended the following steps :
• Increase focus on practical , hands-on training in HVAC & R programmes to better prepare students for real-world scenarios
• Ensure that the curriculum is up-to-date with industry standards and incorporates the latest technological advancements
• Recruit experienced professionals from the HVAC & R sector and provide them with the necessary training to become effective lecturers
• Foster stronger partnerships between public and private institutions to share resources , knowledge , and best practices
• Secure additional funding and resources to upgrade facilities and equipment , ensuring that institutions can provide high-quality training
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS There is a call for stronger collaboration between public institutions and private industry to address the shortage of qualified lecturers and technicians . The emphasis is on recruiting experienced professionals from the industry to train lecturers and to enhance the quality of vocational training .
There is a significant shortage of trained refrigeration and air conditioning technicians in South Africa . This shortage drives the need for more effective training programmes and highlights the importance of aligning educational outcomes with industry needs .
A key concern is whether newly trained individuals are finding employment . It ’ s essential to assess whether the current training programmes align with market demands and whether graduates are successfully entering the workforce . This assessment will help ensure that training programmes are relevant and that graduates have opportunities for employment upon completion of their training . Conduct assessments to track the employment outcomes of graduates to ensure that training programmes are meeting industry needs and that graduates are entering the workforce successfully .
The discussions highlighted the urgent need for improved training programmes and industry collaboration to address the shortages in the HVAC & R sector . By implementing the proposed solutions and fostering stronger partnerships , it is possible to enhance the quality of training , better align educational outcomes with industry needs , and ultimately improve employment prospects for graduates . Additionally , ongoing efforts related to the Montreal Protocol and energy efficiency initiatives will continue to play a crucial role in global environmental protection and sustainable development . RACA
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