RACA Journal May 2024 RACA_May2024_digital | Page 32

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Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Certificate of Conformity

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Compliance Verifier

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems Pipework Installer

103272 142 4 Part

103726 146 4 Part

103278 83 3 Part

5 Air Conditioning Filtration Equipment Worker 104618 61 3 Part 6 Mobile Refrigeration Fitter 103267 399 4 Part

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Domestic and light commercial refrigeration serviceman

Industrial Refrigeration Mechanic Plant Room Operator

103279 173 2 Part

103280 112 2 Part

9 Evaporative Cooling Systems Installer 104460 90 2 Part 10 Duct Work Installer 104619 72 3 Part

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Heating , Ventilation and Air Conditioning ( HVAC ) Control Fitter

104620 155 4 Part

12 Refrigerant Pipe Work Fitter 104800 104 2 Part 13 Refrigeration Control Fitter 103271 169 4 Part 14 Refrigeration Fitter 103268 209 2 Part 15 Refrigeration Maintenance and Repair workman 103266 419 2 Part 16 Refrigeration Mechanic 103270 543 4 Full 17 Refrigeration Pipework Installer 103265 167 2 Part

MAIN QUALIFICATIONS The difference between the two main qualifications is :

• The air conditioning refrigeration mechanic is aimed at the heating , ventilation and air conditioning industry and the minimum requirement is grade 9 or NQF level 2 .

• The refrigeration mechanic is aimed at the refrigeration industry and on NQF Level 3 the learner has a choice to specialise in one of three options : ammonia , CO 2 or ‘ F gases ’.

TRADE TEST The trade tests for the different full and part qualifications are under development . In the interim the legacy trade test will be valid .

The curriculum and assessment documents are available on QCTO ’ s website , which can be accessed for detailed information on the different full and part qualifications .

QCTO A MAJOR STEP FORWARD IN HVAC & R TRAINING , SAYS ACRA Grant Laidlaw , owner of ACRA , reviewed the significance of the new QCTO regulations in the new qualifications system and the substantial overhaul it represents . While there were previously existing qualifications , the introduction of four new national HVAC & R qualifications marks a significant departure . “ Notably , these qualifications include areas previously uncharted in South Africa , such as qualifications in ammonia , CO 2 and air conditioning .”

Addressing the question of whether each training provider must develop its own course , Laidlaw clarified that while individual institutions cannot directly develop curricula and register qualifications , they can develop their own material or access training materials developed by specialised entities . These materials , akin to textbooks developed for schools , ensure

RACA Journal I May 2024 standardisation and quality across providers . He stresses the role of training providers in delivering high-quality education , highlighting the importance of accreditation and the ongoing transition phase .

The QCTO has created an amalgamation of traditional and new elements in the revised qualifications . “ For instance , the consolidation of legacy trades like refrigeration mechanic into comprehensive qualifications now encompassing natural refrigerants reflects industry advancements and safety standards . The qualifications are structured as follows : knowledge modules , practical training modules , and workplace modules tailored to specific industry needs . This structure allows for a tailored approach to training , ensuring that learners acquire the necessary skills and knowledge relevant to their specific field within HVAC & R . www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za