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RACA Journal : ISSN 1812-772X
Hot and chilled
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RACA Journal Publication www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za eamonn @ interactmedia . co . za ASSESSING CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HVAC & R TRAINING IN SA
The Department of Forestry , Fisheries and the Environment
( DFFE ) held one of its regular HFC phase down workshops on 16 / 17 September , and the readiness of TVET colleges to rollout HVAC & R training on a broad scale was one of the key topics .
Gift Molokwane of DFFE presented a report on the current state of HVAC & R training in South Africa . This comprehensive report , based on site visits to technical and vocational education and training ( TVET ) colleges and private training centres nationwide , identified a highly disappointing condition of TVETs and suggested actionable recommendations for the private sector to enhance the quality and effectiveness of HVAC & R education , as well as provide access to practical aspects of training as well as apprenticeships .
The initiative , launched in 2018 , was driven by concerns about the high number of unregistered HVAC & R technicians in South Africa . To address this issue , a task team was formed , including representatives from industry , the Department of Employment and Labour , SARACCA , the South African Qualifications Authority ( SAQA ), and the Department of Higher Education and Training . The team was charged with developing a national implementation strategy to tackle deficiencies in HVAC & R training .
The strategy ’ s objectives were to enhance collaboration between government bodies , TVET colleges , and industry stakeholders . This approach aims to ensure that students receive practical training , gain relevant experience in the sector , and address challenges such as inadequate workshop facilities and low student enrolment in HVAC & R programs at public TVET colleges .
To implement the strategy , the DFFE conducted site visits to 29 TVET colleges and private training centres across nine provinces . The visits aimed to :
• Evaluate the alignment of HVAC & R training with the Montreal Protocol ’ s requirements
• Identify opportunities to bridge gaps between educational institutions and industry to improve practical training and employability
• Strengthen collaboration between government and industry for upskilling and enhancing TVET programmes
• Promote formal certification and registration of HVAC & R technicians to reduce informal practices
The site visits uncovered several critical issues impacting HVAC & R training :
• Many public TVET colleges lacked the necessary facilities for effective hands-on training in refrigeration and air conditioning
• There was a significant drop in student intake into HVAC & R programmes , potentially jeopardising the future supply of qualified technicians
• A notable lack of funding and modern equipment was observed , which hampers the effectiveness of training programmes
The 29 institutions comprised 15 public TVET colleges and 14 private training centres . The findings showed that 12 institutions offered HVAC & R training while 14 did not , and three concentrated on automotive air conditioning .
Responding to suggestions that ‘ train the TVET trainers ’ programmes be launched among other points , Grant Laidlaw ( who otherwise has two articles in this month ’ s issue ) emphasised that lecturers need to have substantial experience in the HVAC & R field to effectively teach and train students . Short courses alone are insufficient ; instead , experienced professionals should be recruited and trained as lecturers to ensure high-quality education , a notion endorsed by David Botha of SARACCA online .
Laidlaw also noted that the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations ( QCTO ) had recently cancelled many old qualifications , transitioning to new occupation-based qualifications . This shift has created a temporary void , with some training providers and learners caught between the old and new systems . Accreditation for legacy qualifications has been extended until December 2025 to address this gap .
The new qualifications align with international standards and include the latest refrigerants and energy efficiency practices . However , the trade testing for these new qualifications is still being finalised , with full implementation expected in the coming months .
The presentation by DFFE , the recommendations for greater public-private-partnerships and the subsequent discussions underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the HVAC & R training sector . By addressing the identified challenges and implementing the recommended strategies , South Africa can significantly improve the quality of training for refrigeration and air conditioning technicians , ultimately contributing to the sector ' s growth and effectiveness . RACA
Eamonn
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