In the October SAIRAC Johannesburg Centre online Tech Talk hosted by Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Academy (ACRA) owner Grant Laidlaw, the future of air conditioning and refrigeration training was a central theme. With the legacy trade tests already phased out since June 30, 2024, the discussion focused on the transitional landscape and emerging qualifications in the industry.
This is the transcript of the presentation, edited by Eamonn Ryan, and is Part 3 of a 9-part article.

Grant Laidlaw. © RACA Journal
Levels of qualification
The new General Occupational Certificate represents a semi-skilled level, situated just above basic education. The structure now includes various tiers, such as:
- Basic education: foundational schooling
- Elementary occupation: assistant level
- Intermediate level: roughly equivalent to a junior artisan, though not an official title
- National Occupational Certificate: this replaces the legacy apprenticeship, previously situated at NQF Level 4
The new Integrated Summative Assessment (ISA) is also pegged at Level 4. Laidlaw raised concerns that the qualifications may be set at too low a level, given the breadth of skills required in the air conditioning sector, which encompasses electrical work, electronics, welding, and pressure vessel management.
Laidlaw suggested that some aspects of air conditioning work, particularly ductwork balancing and calculations, may warrant elevation to Level 5 or beyond. He noted the potential for developing advanced qualifications like those seen in other countries, which could enhance the sector’s standards.
The new qualifications consist of specialised knowledge units, practical units, and workplace units, mirroring previous frameworks but with a revised structure. Part qualifications offer flexibility for individuals who may not require full certifications, such as those working in domestic refrigeration.
Apprenticeship programme details
The apprenticeship programme aims for full certification, taking approximately three years to complete. Despite current credit value concerns, Laidlaw stressed the necessity for both theoretical and practical components at accredited training providers. He pointed out that the previous system had loopholes, which have now been addressed to ensure comprehensive training.
The mentor ratio for apprentices has been adjusted from two apprentices per artisan to four, easing the challenges posed by the current artisan shortage. This change allows more apprentices to enter the system despite the limited availability of mentors.
The new apprenticeship structure includes a modular training approach with an increased emphasis on the role of training providers, who are expected to fill skill gaps due to the diversity of workplace providers. The training will involve proof of competency through reports and logbooks, streamlining the assessment process without overburdening workplaces.
Laidlaw concluded that the newly registered qualifications, particularly for air conditioning mechanics, are a significant advancement, as air conditioning previously lacked its own distinct qualification. This national qualification is competency-based and is designed to meet the evolving needs of the industry. As the sector transitions to these new qualifications, the integration with QCTO frameworks and the implementation of the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) will be crucial for the development of skilled professionals in air conditioning and refrigeration.