By Eamonn Ryan
On 25 October, OTTC (Open Trade Training Centre) hosted a graduation for students who passed its Ammonia Specialist course. Cold Link Africa was there for the event and spoke to some of the happy but relieved graduates.
Grievance Malapane is a dedicated individual in the refrigeration field, with a career path shaped by early experiences in manufacturing and a strong desire for professional growth. Starting as a general worker and assembler at a company manufacturing air conditioning units, Malapane’s journey into refrigeration was sparked by exposure to various short courses and hands-on experiences.
The journey to refrigeration
Malapane’s passion for refrigeration began at Booyco Engineering, where he completed his trade test in 2012. “That’s where my passion for refrigeration started,” he reflects. After gaining experience at Coca Cola and South African Breweries, he made the bold decision to resign in order to pursue a course in ammonia refrigeration, seeking a new challenge and recognising a demand for skilled technicians in this area.\
The value of his education
Reflecting on his recent course experience, Malapane describes it as highly beneficial. “The teachers know their stuff,” he says, emphasising the practical training he received in plant operations. His goal was to acquire new skills and knowledge that would prepare him for the ammonia industry, which he sees as a field with substantial opportunities.
“I just saw an opportunity in ammonia refrigeration because there is a lack of skilled technicians,” he explains. Despite paying for the course himself, he views it as a worthwhile investment, as companies often do not provide financial support for such training.
Skills acquired and future aspirations
Through the course, Malapane gained crucial knowledge about running ammonia plants, including the refrigeration cycle and safety protocols. “Safety must be a priority in everything,” he stresses, recognising the inherent risks involved in handling ammonia.
He is optimistic about his future in ammonia refrigeration. He has noticed an increasing demand for ammonia technicians and is confident that he will gain the necessary experience in the field despite currently lacking it. “I think I’m ready to hit the ground running,” he affirms.
Overcoming challenges
While the transition to this course came with challenges, including financial stress and the need to resign from his job, he managed to navigate these obstacles. He candidly shares that the financial burden was significant, especially while living in a guest house during the course.
Malapane encourages others considering a similar path to pursue their ambitions. “I can encourage them to do this course because of the job opportunities,” he notes, suggesting that taking a leap of faith, like resigning to start anew, can be worthwhile.
He also emphasises the need for employers to support their staff in pursuing such specialised training. “As a country, we are short on skilled ammonia technicians,” he points out, advocating for companies to invest in their employees’ development to fill this gap.
As Grievance Malapane looks to the future, his commitment to ammonia refrigeration and the skills he has acquired position him well for a successful career in this essential industry.