Challenges of the technical skills gap in South Africa’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning sector

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2014-01-14

Authors

Ferdinandi, Marco

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Abstract

The topic of skilled labour is discussed in many fora across all types of industries locally and internationally. The main theme of this research was to seek confirmation that a shortage of skilled labour in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning HVAC industry in South Africa has consequences and challenges that need to be addressed The study of skilled and unskilled labour is a large field with many different facets, some obvious and others not. The problem of where to start and stop is in itself a challenge. Skills requirements vary considerably from one industry to another, with only some skills being transferable. This study investigates a very specific area, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning HVAC sector in South Africa. The HVAC industry is specialised in that it requires a technically qualified individual to work on the equipment commissioned to deliver the desired air quality and temperature to make modern buildings habitable. A qualitative approach was used to interpret the data collected during the research phase. A questionnaire was used to survey the sample selected. The findings were then extrapolated and interpreted into a set of results which supported or did not support the propositions made in this report. The key finding was that the heating, ventilation and air conditioning HVAC industry in South Africa is facing a skilled labour supply problem, due to the lack of training. To address this problem, both industry and government training interventions were necessary. The challenge of skilled labour seems to be an international problem. Developing countries must protect their skills base because vibrant first world economies will seek skilled labour abroad.

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MBA thesis

Keywords

Skills gap, Air conditioning industry

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