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 2 of a five-part series.
The audience at the SADC RAC (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning) interactive workshop in November. © RACA Journal
The programme not only focuses on providing technical training but also issues tools to each participant to ensure they can apply their skills effectively. As Ndhlovu explained, it is not enough to simply train someone; they must also be equipped with the right tools to practice in an environmentally responsible manner. The training initiative ensures that the technicians can handle refrigerants in ways that adhere to environmental standards, thereby making the programme a holistic approach to industry transformation.
The initiative also emphasises the importance of equipping technicians with the right safe refrigerant handling tools. These tools are not just essential for day-to-day operations; they are also designed to encourage proper handling of refrigerants and compliance with environmental regulations. By providing these tools alongside the training, the initiative ensures that women technicians have the resources they need to work effectively and responsibly.
This helps ensure that technicians, particularly those from the informal sector, are not only trained but also empowered with the necessary equipment to implement what they have learned.
Scaling the initiative and expanding reach
Looking ahead, the initiative plans to expand its reach and increase its impact by training an additional 400 technicians in the coming years. This expansion will focus on ensuring that the training reaches more women across the country, particularly in rural and underserved areas where access to training and resources may be limited.
The next phase of the programme will also involve consulting with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to increase female participation in formal training programmes. By building partnerships with these educational institutions, the initiative aims to create a more structured pathway for women to enter the industry, receive formal qualifications and secure long-term employment opportunities.
Strengthening the female technician network
Another key component of the initiative is the establishment of a strong network for female technicians. This network will serve as a support system, providing ongoing mentorship, professional development opportunities and a platform for women to share their experiences and challenges within the industry.
Through this network, female technicians will have access to a community that encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing, enabling them to grow professionally and overcome any barriers they might face in a predominantly male-dominated field.
