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that works in the sector - to be confident in their knowledge of how to work safely with equipment , and of course to perform the work as intended correctly . To achive this , we really focus on quality of mentorship for every learner . This results in excellent technicians being deployed to the industry and closes the unemployment gaps which are severe in South Africa - while we are also losing skills by people leaving the country at the same time ,” says Edward Button - group training officer & skills development facilitator at Ampair Training Centre .
Having community involvement allows the training centre to identify talent and for those candidates who go above and beyond , their efforts are rewarded where they may continue their path in manufacturing or installation and servicing work on air conditioning or refrigeration systems , and full time employment with benefits . This approach has allowed 23 top quality candidates to be absorbed into the various linked business units so far .
Since inception , the training centre has hosted over 1000 people through the various courses offered . Recently they have engaged with YES – the youth employment services and currently are busy with the training of 40 learners from this stream . They are also actively involved in training of persons with disabilities . School learners have similarly formed part of the catchment net as trade occupations do not get a lot of awareness at that level , and so there is a lot of hesitation to enter these sectors , hindered by the lack of information provided – most school students are not even aware of most trades they can pursue .
The training curriculum of the centre includes everything from the basics such as brazing and welding , how components work , equations , setting systems up , commissioning and even as far as calculations to confirm that the learner understands how to manage the heat load of a building .
“ We insist that all learners follow the curriculum from the absolute basics because from the bottom up many learners know very little about these particular skills and for people that have been in the industry for many years we find that they often have incorrect assumptions or do not perform tasks correctly . By following the course material systematically each step confirms the right way to do things for the next level and so on – no matter how advanced individuals think they are – everyone has to follow all modules for a reason . For example , some people may know very well how to do equations but they cannot braze correctly , or they know how to calculate heat loads but don ’ t know the function of a condenser . To expand then on the ‘ regular HVACR skills ’ we have included ARC and CO 2 welding as it is common for clients to ask for brackets or supporting structures in this industry and although this is not a qualification element for us - this is another skill that comes in handy ,” adds Button .
Other courses provided by the training centre include : cladding , insulation , ductwork , first aid , working at height , fire fighting and other tailor-made programmes . Theoretical training can accommodate 30 people and to ensure quality knowledge transfer – practical training is limited to 12 learners at a time .
“ If we continue to ensure quality training , throughout the learnership factions in fact , we have the certainty that our graduates are well equipped with knowledge and practical experience and so ultimately are safeguarding the industry as a whole going forward . We further participate in the process to equip those individuals with much needed skills to keep themselves and others safe , and create sustainable opportunities ,” concludes Button .
NOTE : The centre curriculum is aligned to national standards as established by the QCTO and SAQA . As a quality assurance measure , the Ampair Training Centre has trade testing done with an external partner and to date have achieved an 80 % pass rate . RACA
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RACA Journal I September 2022 www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za