Events and Exhibitions health . Skin cancer was particularly noted as it also involves extremely costly treatment .
Because the air conditioning and refrigeration sectors play such a big role in in the use of various refrigerants , these industries are major contributors to the phase-out process as they are directly linked to many everyday life items such as comfort , transportation , the food supply chain and preservation of foods .
“ It is therefore important that the workforce in the sector receives suitable and relevant training with accompanying skills that will ensure that the environment can be preserved , ensure safe working spaces , and handling of any refrigerant used in the sector ( where some of the refrigerants are highly flammable ). The safety aspect is therefore a major area of concern . South Africa has a high number of refrigeration and air conditioning technicians , although the bad thing is that in the informal servicing sector , many have significant working experience , but most of these technicians don ' t have a safe handling license . This shows that they are performing refrigeration and air conditioning services without the necessary knowledge and care around safety . This of course also produces an impact on the environment , where harmful refrigerants are vented into the atmosphere ,” Molefe added . Attention was draw to the steps taken by the programme , ACRA , and the workplace partners , that there are many more women technician being given equal opportunity while the sector is known to be primarily still male-dominated . Molefe offered support and encouragement for the women in the programme by adding , “ You too now have the skills and the ability to do any task in this sector perfectly .”
Another particular note in Molefe ’ s address was the second part of the programme , being the training and registration in safe handling . Changes will be seen in the near future in terms of the safe handling of refrigerants and requirements of technicians to maintain their professional registrations in this regard . In order to mitigate the Ozone depleting substances and global warming potential of these gases , without continued safe handling registration , refrigerants would not be made available to un-registered technicians . This would also be a mechanism to monitor the tools and skill that have been issued to technicians .
In closing Molefe noted , “ Please utilise the opportunities you get , and you ' re going to have a number of opportunities – these are going to help you achieve even more . This is what we want to see and what this programme is all about , but if you don ’ t grab the opportunities , you will lose .”
Next , Mrs Precious Pretty Phati addressed the graduates on behalf of the EEC TVET college as the quality assurance manager , sharing congratulations on behalf of the college ’ s chief executive officer , Mrs Happy Sibande . She too offered thanks to all participants in the programme .
She commented , “ The college sincerely appreciates the partnerships we have and would like to thank everyone who relentlessly worked to shape , inspire , empower and support our graduating dignitaries of the day . Today is a celebration of a well-spent period that has delivered progressive achievement against the set national developmental plan . The programme that graduates have participated in allows them to now be on their own . They can open their own company and further commitment is planned that will further empower each of them to successfully run their business and tackle the critical challenges of poverty , inequality and unemployment . We recognise your tenacity , resilience , bravery , and commitment . As you will be moving forward , growing , and developing in your chosen careers – opening new chapters in your lives , you should always remember that there is no promise of an easy route to success . There will be obstacles , challenges , and setbacks . We trust that this programme has equipped you with all the necessary skills , knowledge , and attitude to succeed .
“ Isaac Newton ' s third law is : for every action , there is an equal and opposite reaction . You have the opportunity to choose . Choose well so that tomorrow will be a pleasing outcome . Continue making progressive strides until you are at the pinnacle of your career . Your certificates of graduation are now your tickets to change the world , with an enhanced level of responsibility .”
Ayanda Mona , one of the graduates who has started her own business , delivered an impactful valedictory address , taking everyone through her journey that all started at the TVET college , where she first questioned a career in refrigeration when it was proposed to her . She brought attention to the circumstances students have to work through , the emotional rollercoaster , the things she learned , the mistakes she made , the real dangers of the industry , the challenges women particularly experience in the sector , and importantly what can be achieved with the right mindset .
“ Don ’ t underestimate the tools that we have all been given – even the mini toolbox that people would say ‘ oh what can we do with that ?’. That toolbox has taken me through Covid-19 like you will never believe . The gauges . The toolbox . Every other thing that you already have is enough for you to start your own business . Believe that you are great . If you believe that , you can be one of the best technicians , go on , go get your diploma , go get your degree , go out and get what you need . We have all been given an opportunity because our community has acknowledged us and what they see in us , is not what you see in yourself . You will only see this in time . What we do going forward is entirely up to us . We must always remember the investment in each of us – both financially and in time . Graduating today is not the end of the journey , this is where it all starts ,” concluded Mona .
Closing off the ceremony , Laidlaw shared his mantra : “ One has to endeavour to learn at least one new thing every day . If you can achieve that , you ' ll achieve greatness .”< Caption > The guests and speakers that attended the momentous graduation ceremony included representatives from ACRA , Ekurhuleni East TVET College , HWSETA , NAMB , QCTO and workplace providers . RACA
www . hvacronline . co . za RACA Journal I July 2021 17