www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I May 2024 29
Feature
EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA IS A PROCESS OF CHANGE .
By Hennie Basson , managing member : Raetech Training Centre
The measures contained in the new occupational qualification for the HVAC & R sector have , and will , leave no enterprise or individual untouched .
It poses many challenges in order to make it effective and the structures and requirements implemented to date require new skills and paradigm shifts within public and business enterprises . The heating , ventilation , air conditioning and refrigeration ( HVAC & R ) industry is a large and important sector in the economy ; therefore it is vital that role players in the education system ensure that the training for this sector is of the highest quality , and that the responsibility not be left only to government , as there is a need to engage in a public and private partnership .
The deficiencies in the system can be identified and addressed to provide quality learning and be responsive to changing demands and foster a culture of lifelong learning . Industry , through organised institutions like SAIRAC and SARACCA , were part of the development of the occupational qualification curricula for QCTO .
STRUCTURE OF THE OCCUPATIONAL QUALIFICATION The legacy qualifications consist of multiple individual unit standards , each focusing on practical competencies , theoretical knowledge and critical cross-field outcomes . On the other hand , QCTO qualifications divide the legacy unit standards into three distinct modules :
• Knowledge module : theory component
• Practical module : all practical component
• Work experience module : prescript of workplace experience required for the qualification
The knowledge module and the practical module need to be done in a QCTO-accredited training centre and the workplace experience module needs to be done at an approved workplace employer .
The legacy qualification unit standards expired on 30 June 2023 , while the last date of trade test will be 30 June 2027 for all learners that were enrolled under the legacy qualifications . The impact is that the occupational qualification is effective from this year . The minimum requirement under the legacy qualification
Supplied by Raetech Training Centre Supplied by Raetech Training Centre
Hennie Basson welcomed guests in the laboratory , having eight miniature cold rooms with R290-charged refrigeration systems .
A selection of training material compiled by Hennie Basson .
was that a learner required a minimum academic qualification of a full N2 certificate . The national certificates came to an end on 30 June 2023 . The knowledge modules include the theoretical content required for the specific full or part qualification .
The full qualifications – Air Conditioning Refrigeration Mechanic and Refrigeration Mechanic – are structured so that there are exit levels should a learner wish to exit at a specific level . The most important addition is the part qualifications which will enable a worker to perform specific tasks in the trade for which they do not require the full qualification , and can obtain a part qualification in their field of expertise .
The full and part qualification makes provision for articulation levels : vertical and horizontal . It provides the opportunity for the learner to articulate horizontally to extend the current qualification to meet the requirements of other part qualifications . The vertical articulation is to obtain the next NQF Level from the current NQF level reached .
THE QUALIFICATION There are two main qualifications and 15-part qualifications spreading out of the main qualifications .
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I May 2024 29