By Eamonn Ryan
The Skills Initiative For Africa (SIFA) project, late last year hosted 40–45 visitors from various African countries for a tour of the ACRA (Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Academy) in Johannesburg, due to its status as a SIFA-recognised Centre of Excellence for all Africa.
Cheryl James and Helene Charpentier of SIFA. Images supplied by RACA Journal
As one of the leading HVAC&R academies in Africa, and responsible for 90 to 95% of sector training in South Africa according to ACRA MD Grant Laidlaw, the objective of the tour was to explore means by which ACRA’s HVAC&R training facility could be replicated in member countries of the project to stimulate the industry in those countries, and indeed their entire economies.
The project, initiated in 2018 through a collaboration between the German government and the African Union Commission, aims to address the dual challenge of high youth unemployment and a shortage of skilled professionals. After a presentation by Laidlaw on the foundation and workings of the academy, the delegates were given a tour of the all-important workshop where students gain practical experience.
A selection of the delegates from African countries.
The presentation highlighted the importance of private sector engagement in fostering partnerships and raising professional profiles. The following is an abbreviated version of Laidlaw’s presentation (but given the importance of the event and subject matter will be given longer treatment in an upcoming feature dedicated to training):
There are a number of key role players in South Africa’s training community, each necessary to a collaborative approach needed for successful HVAC&R training initiatives and appropriateness of courses. Entities such as the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), the National Artisan Moderating Body (NAMB), the Sector Education Training Authorities (SETA), Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), SAQCC Gas, SARACCA and SAIRAC – each play a vital role in curriculum registration, quality control, assessment moderation and industry regulation.
The presentation underscored the importance of accreditation and quality assurance through industry partnerships. ACRA engages with various bodies, including the SAQA, NAMB, SETA and the regulating body for refrigeration to ensure that training aligns with industry requirements as well as standards. ACRA actively collaborates with these entities to create training manuals and materials, fostering a high level of involvement and industry trust. Global collaborations are equally vital to bringing in expertise from overseas to enrich training initiatives. SAIRAC regularly organises events where international experts contribute to continuous learning and development.
A demonstration of the workplace skills ACRA students acquire.
Delegates were encouraged to seek out these, as well as similar institutes and associations in their own countries to foster partnerships and collaborative growth. The presentation delved into the history of the training centre, tracing its roots back to 1961 when such major training centres were government owned. Significant milestones include the establishment of new centres in Durban in 2018, Kimberley in 2020, and a partnership academy in Cape Town, showcasing the institution’s commitment to continuous improvement and expansion. Of central importance to anyone aiming to follow the path of ACRA is an active engagement with government on legislative issues, to gain a holistic approach to industry development.
Equally important is an outreach to diverse sectors, including mining, agriculture and automotive industries. The need for air conditioning and refrigeration skills across these sectors was emphasised, indicating the broad applicability of the training programmes. ACRA has embraced a departure from reliance on traditional academic curricula. Instead, it actively seeks projects and innovative solutions, considering these real-world applications as the main qualification for learners.
This approach is seen as a critical step in preparing learners for the dynamic challenges of their respective industries. ACRA’s future plans include the construction of a new facility funded through the SIFA initiative. Despite challenges and delays due to red tape, the commitment to expanding technical education so as to contribute to a skilled workforce was evident. ACRA shares the vision for empowering individuals through technical education, contributing to economic development, and fostering a culture of continuous learning.
