By Eamonn Ryan
Speaking at the SADC RAC (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning) interactive workshop in November, Lutendo Ndhlovu, representing the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), outlined the programme. This is Part 4 of a five-part series.
The SADC RAC (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning) interactive workshop in November. © RACA Journal
A critical aspect of expanding female participation in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector lies in collaboration with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and private technical colleges. These institutions, both public and private, offer training programmes that can play a significant role in encouraging more women to enter the sector.
Ndhlovu and her team undertook a consultation with various TVET colleges across the country to assess the current state of female participation in refrigeration and air conditioning training courses. The goal was to determine how well these institutions were integrating women into their programmes and to encourage them to do more. During these consultations, the team discovered that many TVET colleges are already taking active steps to enroll female students in RAC training programmes. This was a promising sign, as it demonstrated that, even in rural and underserved areas, women are being encouraged to pursue careers in this technical field.
In fact, during site visits to several TVET campuses, it was observed that more than 50% of the students in some classes were female, a significant indicator of progress. Ndhlovu noted that this trend was observed across multiple provinces, suggesting that gender inclusivity in technical education is becoming more widely accepted.
Mobilising female technicians by community engagement
Beyond consulting with educational institutions, the programme has also focused on engaging with local communities through TVET colleges. Since these colleges are deeply embedded in their local areas, they serve as crucial community hubs for mobilising women to enter the refrigeration and air conditioning sector.
The team made efforts to raise awareness within these communities about the training opportunities available for women, encouraging them to enroll in these programmes. Through these engagements, the initiative has also worked to create a database of female practitioners, ensuring that women who are trained and certified are included in a network that tracks their progress and provides support. The long-term goal is to increase the number of women in the industry, with a targeted effort to enhance female representation in the sector.
Strengthening the female technician network
A key focus for the future is the strengthening of the female technician network. While the initiative has made significant strides in training and certifying female technicians, it recognises that ongoing support and community building are essential for the sustainability of this progress. The network of female technician associations will be crucial in ensuring that women have access to mentorship, professional development, and a platform for sharing experiences and best practices.
