Events and Exhibitions
FIRST IN-PERSON TECHNICAL TALK
IN OVER TWO YEARS
By Benjamin Brits
SAIRAC Johannesburg centre hosted this technical talk at the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Academy ’ s ( ACRA ) Chloorkop branch .
South African Institute for Refrigeration and Airconditioning ( SAIRAC ) Johannesburg centre chairman Gregory Grobbelaar welcomed a “ full house ” of around 50 people to this talk . SAIRAC president Robert Fox as well as vice-president Gordon
Banks were recognised and welcomed .
First up , HD Zashidi was presented with a certificate as new member of the institute , whereafter Grobbelaar discussed the SAIRAC courses and events still to take place for the remainder of the year .
He then handed over to the evening ’ s presenter – Grant Laidlaw – and offered an introduction on his background and industry involvement . Laidlaw is owner of the Academy that has branches in Gauteng , Northern Cape and KwaZulu Natal . Laidlaw is also currently Johannesburg centre and national treasurer for the institute .
Laidlaw ’ s talk aimed to address training and education for refrigeration and air conditioning staff in South Africa and took attendees through various topical aspects . He started off discussing a hierarchy of role players related to trade education and qualifications , and the structural changes in these bodies or offices of government over the years . He then delved into some points and practical items , and advice , as follows .
Apprenticeships were discussed first where he covered such circumstances as indenturing an apprentice , what procedures need to be followed to indenture an apprentice , dealing with SETAs and which SETAs can be used ( as well as the various challenges and delays one could experience through system shortfalls ), the discretionary grants and mandatory grants plus SARS tax rebates that can hold nearly a R 300 000 financial benefit per apprentice , what training will be conducted for an apprentice , duration of apprenticeships , training schedules and the importance of log books as evidence of work that must get signed by the trainer , assessor and mentor , requirements prior to trade testing and the trade test application process .
Trade testing ( apprenticeships and current employees ) was explored in how to apply for a trade test if staff have 4 years + work experience in HVAC & R ( Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning ), an overview of trade testing processes and timeframes , as well as an outline of a trade test at an accredited trade test
All Image credits : RACA Journal | Benjamin Brits
HD Zashidi ( left ) presented with his membership certificate by Johannesburg centre chairman Gregory Grobbelaar .
Speaker , Grant Laidlaw , presenting on the topic of training and education for the refrigeration and air conditioning industry .
From left : SAIRAC president Robert Fox presenting Grant Laidlaw – owner of ACRA with a gift for his participation .
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I November 2022 23