© RACA Journal www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I March 2025 29
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QUALIFYING THE LEARNERSHIP ROUTE
By Eamonn Ryan
Patricia Seoke is in the final year of her B . Eng ( Hons ) mechanical course – a journey which began in 2003 even before the day she applied for a learnership with Transnet . As one of the few women entering this male-dominated field , she was determined to build a successful career . Her learnership was just the beginning , and she soon advanced to roles first as a junior technician . Today she is the Transnet HVAC technician .
Her early years in the industry were marked by constant learning and professional growth . In 2007 , Seoke completed her learnership programme and worked in Transnet buildings as junior technician , where she continued developing her skills . Recognising the importance of education , she enrolled at the University of South Africa in 2011 with the assistance of an individual development plan in the company to study mechanical engineering . She completed a diploma and later a BTech in mechanical engineering , and she is currently finishing her honours degree .
Seoke has faced numerous challenges throughout her career . From the start , she was often underestimated , a common hurdle many women in technical fields experience . Yet , Seoke ’ s passion and resilience allowed her to not only overcome these challenges but thrive . “ I found a strong support network of similar-minded women I met during my learnership and together we have helped each other navigate the obstacles of working in this environment , staying focused on our professional goals .”
Her experience includes overseas projects , as well as a range of systems , including split units , package units , air handling units , kitchen exhausts and chillers at Transnet Property ’ s iconic Carlton Centre , managing maintenance contracts for HVAC systems and general maintenance work . “ I work with systems that are often decades old . Despite their age , these systems remain functional , but I am conscious of the increasing need to address water conservation and energy efficiency within HVAC systems .
“ Energy efficiency has been one of my primary focuses . Older HVAC systems typically cannot compete with modern technology and are consequently energy-intensive , and I constantly work to reduce energy consumption through strategies such as installing timers on HVAC units to limit their operation to office hours ,” says Seoke . She keeps a close eye on newer , more energy-efficient technologies , always seeking ways to align with current energy-saving initiatives .
In addition to energy efficiency , maintaining the comfort of building occupants is a key aspect of Seoke ’ s work . She regularly checks the temperature and airflow in systems like chillers and air handling units , ensuring they operate efficiently and evenly throughout the 50-floor building , numerous basement levels and vast retail space . “ Managing temperature balance in office spaces , which can be affected by factors like exposure to sunlight , is a particular challenge .”
Safety is another priority for Seoke . Most of the actual work is subcontracted , and she oversees external contractors , making sure they are properly trained and adhere to safety protocols and best practices , stressing the importance of competence to avoid injury or equipment damage .
Seoke ’ s passion for HVAC is driven by the technical challenges it presents . She is committed to advancing not only her own career but also encouraging other women to enter the field . “ HVAC is an extremely interesting career ,” she says , urging women to pursue it despite the gender imbalance .
While Seoke has had to break barriers as a woman in HVAC , she is hopeful that things will improve for future generations . She encourages young women to consider careers in HVAC , emphasising the importance of mentorship and education in helping them succeed . Her goal is to make HVAC more accessible to women , especially those in rural areas who might not even know about the field . She envisions schools offering specialised HVAC training , creating new opportunities for young people to learn and pursue careers in the industry .
As she looks toward the future , she remains committed to her professional growth and to encouraging more women to explore the HVAC field . Her journey is far from over , and she is eager to continue making an impact in the industry . RACA
© RACA Journal www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I March 2025 29