By Eamonn Ryan
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Academy’s (ACRA’s) new training centre in Kimberley, Northern Cape, is a state-of-the-art facility within a well-renovated building in the provincial capital’s CBD.
As ACRA’s new training centre in Kimberley springs to life, questions arise about its potential impact beyond the city’s borders. Grant Laidlaw, the driving force behind ACRA’s expansion, shared insights into the project’s significance and hinted at possibilities for replication in other towns.
Addressing inquiries about the project’s scope, Laidlaw expressed confidence in its potential to serve as a model for future endeavors. “This is not a one-off,” he declared. “We have the capability to reproduce and replicate this model elsewhere.”
With ACRA’s state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive training programmes, Laidlaw envisions a future where similar centres flourish in towns across the region. “It’s fully accredited,” he emphasises. “This is a full-on trade centre, equipped to meet the needs of aspiring technicians. Our goal is to offer turnkey solutions to meet the evolving demands of the industry.”
Central to ACRA’s mission is its commitment to empowering individuals through education and skills development. Laidlaw emphasises the role of trades and professions in driving economic growth and social progress. “These trades are essential,” he states. “They form the backbone of our economy and society.”
As ACRA continues to expand its footprint, Laidlaw remains steadfast in his dedication to providing opportunities for growth and advancement. “We believe in the potential of our students,” he says. “And we’re committed to supporting them every step of the way.”
The inauguration of ACRA’s Kimberley branch marks the beginning of a new chapter in skills training and development. With its success poised to inspire similar initiatives elsewhere, ACRA stands at the forefront of a movement aimed at empowering individuals and communities through education and opportunity.
Laidlaw recounted the journey that led to the establishment of ACRA’s Kimberley branch, emphasising the collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships that made it possible. “This project is the culmination of years of planning and collaboration. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when communities, businesses, and government work together towards a common goal.”