A recent presentation by Gift Molokwane of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) provided a comprehensive overview of a report on the state of training for refrigeration and air conditioning (HVAC&R) technicians in South Africa. This is Part 1 of a four-part article.

Gift Molokwane of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE).

Gift Molokwane of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE). © RACA Journal

The report stems from site visits to various technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges and training centres across the country. The primary aim of this initiative was to identify gaps in training and to propose actionable recommendations to enhance the quality and effectiveness of HVAC&R education.

The Montreal Protocol has played a crucial role in shaping HVAC&R training and energy efficiency initiatives. The protocol’s requirements for phasing out ozone-depleting substances and reducing greenhouse gas emissions necessitate a focus on both effective training and advanced technologies.

The initiative, which began in 2018, was triggered by concerns over the high number of unregistered HVAC&R technicians. In response, a task team was formed, comprising representatives from industry, the Department of Employment and Labour, SARACCA, SAQA, and the Department of Higher Education and Training. This team was tasked with developing a national implementation strategy to address the identified gaps in HVAC&R training.

The strategy aimed to improve collaboration between government bodies, TVET colleges and industry stakeholders. This would ensure that students receive practical training and have the opportunity to work in the sector. The strategy also highlighted the need to address inadequate workshop facilities and low student intake in the HVAC&R programmes at public TVET colleges.

Site visits and findings

In line with the strategy, the DFFE conducted site visits to 29 TVET colleges and private training centres across nine provinces. The objectives of these visits were:

  • To assess the current state of HVAC&R training and its alignment with the Montreal Protocol’s requirements
  • To explore opportunities for bridging the gap between higher education institutions and industry, thereby enhancing the practical training and employability of students
  • To establish stronger collaboration between government and industry for upskilling and improving the quality of TVET programmes
  • To promote formal certification and registration of HVAC&R technicians to reduce the number of informal practitioners in the sector
  • The site visits revealed several critical issues:
  • Insufficient workshop facilities: Many public TVET colleges lacked adequate facilities for hands-on training in refrigeration and air conditioning
  • Low student enrollment: There was a noted low intake of students into HVAC&R programmes, which could affect the future supply of qualified technicians
  • Funding and equipment: A significant shortfall in funding and modern equipment was observed, hindering the effectiveness of training programmes

Recommendations

Based on the findings, several recommendations were proposed:

  • Implement a standardised national curriculum for HVAC&R training to ensure consistency and quality across institutions
  • Encourage gender diversity within HVAC&R programmes to broaden the talent pool and create more inclusive training environments
  • Foster closer partnerships between industry and TVET colleges to facilitate practical training opportunities and align educational programmes with industry needs
  • Emphasise the importance of hands-on training and internships to better prepare students for real-world applications
  • Establish robust mechanisms for formal certification and registration of technicians to reduce the prevalence of informal practices

Continued in Part 2…