SAQA ID: 785701 Operate a Windows System NQF Level 04 Credits Regular-ELOAC 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic.

An Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic installs, commissions, services, maintains, overhauls, repairs and troubleshoots air conditioning refrigeration and ventilation systems in accordance to customer ‘s requirements, industry and national standards in compliance with relevant national Legislation.

A qualified learner will be able to:
Install air conditioning refrigeration and ventilation systems.
Commission air conditioning refrigeration and ventilation systems.
Maintain, service, troubleshoot and repair air conditioning refrigeration and ventilation systems.

Rationale:
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration is an integral part of the economy found in many economic sectors and subsectors. Globalisation has brought with it technological changes that require employees to have skills and knowledge that will enable them to be on par with their counterparts. This requires learners to be trained in line with the latest technologies that will empower them to become employed or self-employed. This will enable learners to participate in the economy and thus be productive members of the society. In order to secure food stability and maintain quality for the entire population, refrigeration represents a critical skill in the maintenance of the cold chain.

Air conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic has been identified as one of the occupations in high demand. Learners and current employees need to be trained against the latest technologies in order to ensure job security, advancement, and placement.

The qualification is aimed at new entrants as well as currently employed personnel. Qualified learners are likely to be employed across the economic sectors that include but not limited to: mining, retail, food processing, warehousing, food production, automotive, marine, medical, engineering, fruit and wine industry, cold transport, farming.

This qualification is structured in a manner that allows learners to progress to the full qualification by accumulating credits achieved from the part qualification.

Learners who have acquired knowledge and skills formally or informally will undergo a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment in order to recognise skills acquired.

Qualified learners are likely to progress into engineering related qualifications, which allow for further career progression into the designer, Refrigeration inspector, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) Inspector. The qualification further enables learners to register with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA); as an engineering technologist, engineering technician and mechanical engineer.

Learners can become self-reliant, productive by being self-employed, thereby contributing positively to the economy and society and further provide employment opportunity.