Air-conditioner and refrigeration mechanics is one of the six most common trades practised in the agricultural sector in South Africa.
South African youth hold huge potential to influence the development and employability of South African citizens. This Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) supported initiative forms part of the National Development Plan (NDP) goal which requires that 30,000 artisans are produced per year, by 2030.
"AgriSETA has entered into discussions with relevant partners within the agricultural space, such as the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development and relevant agricultural colleges with a view to improve and consolidate efforts to enhance access to information and ultimately increase learner awareness of possibilities that exist in the sector," says Frikkie Fouche, senior manager skills planning.
South Africa is one of 77 countries that is affiliated to World Skills International (WSI), which was established in 1950 as a non-profit organisation to promote and facilitate, through cooperation and worldwide awareness, the essential contribution that skills and competitive standards make to the achievement of economic success.
Zenzele Myeza, CEO of AgriSETA says: "The need to reshape the perception of owning a skill is imperative for the growth of the country and to bring integrity to professions that are now considered 'old'. To participate in a competition such as the WorldSkills competition helps to develop self-esteem, confidence and a winning spirit for the student and for the country it raises the standards of the profession and of course, serves to benefit the economy as a whole."
