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Apply for the HWSETA-funded Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Apprenticeship 2025 at ACRA. Open to South Africans aged 18–35. Training offered in Kempton Park, Pinetown, and Kimberley. Closing date: November 20, 2025.

Opportunity: HWSETA-Funded Apprenticeship in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (2025)

Pursuing a career in a skilled trade can be one of the most rewarding decisions a young person can make, especially in a field as essential as refrigeration and air conditioning. The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Academy (ACRA) is inviting applications for its HWSETA-funded apprenticeship programme, scheduled to begin in 2025. HWSETA-funded Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Apprenticeship 2025

This apprenticeship offers an important pathway for South Africans who want to build technical expertise, gain workplace exposure, and work toward becoming certified artisans in a field that continues to grow in demand across the country.

Table of Contents

What is the HWSETA-Funded Apprenticeship?
Why Choose a Career in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration?
Key Information About the Apprenticeship
About the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Academy (ACRA)
Program Details and Structure
Available Branches
Application Requirements and Eligibility Criteria
Required Documents
How to Apply
Benefits of the HWSETA-Funded Apprenticeship Program
Career Opportunities After Completion
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Final Notes and Reminder

What is the HWSETA-Funded Apprenticeship?

The HWSETA (Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority) plays a key role in developing artisan training and skills development across South Africa. It funds programmes that aim to prepare young people for critical roles in the economy. This particular apprenticeship, delivered by ACRA, allows eligible candidates to receive training that is either significantly subsidized or fully funded, depending on HWSETA provisions.

An apprenticeship combines structured theory with extensive practical experience. In this programme, learners focus specifically on Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, a specialized trade that requires precision, problem-solving skills, and a strong understanding of engineering principles. It is a trade widely used in homes, businesses, factories, hospitals, and retail environments.

Why Choose a Career in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration?

The HVAC sector continues to expand as the need for cooling and refrigeration systems increases across all industries. Technicians in this field support everything from home cooling systems to industrial refrigeration used in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.

Some of the strongest reasons young people pursue this trade include:

• Job Security: Skilled HVAC technicians are steadily in demand.
• Good Earning Potential: Qualified artisans can earn strong, competitive salaries.
• Career Growth: Opportunities exist to progress into supervisory, technical, or specialist roles.
• Entrepreneurship: Many qualified technicians go on to launch their own service businesses.

It’s a field that rewards hands-on thinkers and individuals who enjoy technical challenges and problem-solving.

Key Information About the Apprenticeship

Program: HWSETA-Funded Apprenticeship: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Training Provider: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Academy (ACRA)
Branches: Kempton Park (Gauteng), Pinetown (KwaZulu-Natal), Kimberley (Northern Cape)
Eligibility: Suitable for male and female applicants aged 18–35
Application Deadline: November 20, 2025
Application Email: projects@acra.co.za
Education Requirement: Grade 12, with Mathematics and Science preferred
Citizenship: Open to South Africans only

About the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Academy (ACRA)

ACRA is a fully accredited training academy and trade test centre known for its commitment to producing high-quality technicians. With branches in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Northern Cape, ACRA has built a strong reputation for delivering well-rounded training that balances theory, hands-on practice, and industry exposure.

Its curriculum is structured to help learners understand the technical aspects of refrigeration and air conditioning while preparing them for real working conditions. ACRA’s graduates often find employment with HVAC companies, engineering firms, manufacturing plants, and other industries that rely heavily on refrigeration systems.

Program Details and Structure

ACRA is developing a database of eligible applicants for future intakes into the HWSETA-funded apprenticeship.

Once selected, apprentices will receive training at the ACRA branch closest to their home. The programme includes:

• Theoretical Training: Covering core refrigeration and air conditioning concepts.
• Workshop-Based Practical Training: Guided sessions that build hands-on technical skills, including installation, fault-finding, repairs, and safety procedures.
• Workplace Learning: Real-world exposure under the supervision of experienced artisans, allowing learners to apply their skills on the job.

The goal is to prepare each learner to become a fully qualified refrigeration and air conditioning technician at the end of the apprenticeship.

Available Branches

• Kempton Park, Gauteng
• Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal
• Kimberley, Northern Cape

Application Requirements and Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a South African citizen between the ages of 18 and 35
• Must have completed Grade 12
• Preference is given to candidates who studied Mathematics and Science
• Must live near Kempton Park, Pinetown, or Kimberley
• Must be physically fit for the trade’s practical requirements
• Must meet ACRA’s entry requirements for artisan training

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents:

• Certified copy of South African ID
• Certified copy of Grade 12 certificate
• Updated CV
• Proof of residential address

Portrait of happy technician starting work on busted air conditioner, using power tool to open up condenser and connect manometers. Engineer opening hvac system to start measuring freon levels inside

How to Apply

Submit your complete CV and all supporting documents via email to:

projects@acra.co.za

Applicants are strongly encouraged to ensure their documentation is complete before submitting, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Benefits of the HWSETA-Funded Apprenticeship Program

• Funded Training: Eligible learners may receive partially or fully funded training.
• Recognized Qualification: You will qualify as an artisan in a technical field.
• Hands-On Skills: Workshops and practical exposure help learners build confidence and competence.
• Improved Employability: Workplace learning prepares you for real employment opportunities.
• Guided Learning: Support from skilled instructors and industry mentors.

Career Opportunities After Completion

With a completed apprenticeship, graduates may pursue roles such as:

• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician
• HVAC Service and Maintenance Technician
• Installation Technician
• Technical Sales and Support
• Independent Artisan or Small Business Owner

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is the apprenticeship funded?
Yes, HWSETA provides financial support for the programme.

Q2: Do I need previous experience?
No, prior technical experience is not required.

Q3: Is accommodation included?
No, accommodation is not provided.

Q4: Can female applicants apply?
Yes, the programme is open to both men and women.

Q5: What qualification will I obtain?
You will qualify as a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician once all requirements are met.

Q6: How long does the apprenticeship take?
Although the announcement does not specify, most artisan programmes last about three years.

Q7: Do learners receive a stipend?
This depends on HWSETA’s funding allocation for the year.

Q8: What if I live far from the training centres?
You must reside near one of the ACRA branches to qualify.

Q9: How often are intakes available?
Intakes vary, and ACRA maintains a database for future opportunities.

Q10: What kind of practical work will I do?
You will learn installation, maintenance, repair, and diagnostic skills for various HVAC systems.

Final Notes and Reminder

If you are passionate about working with your hands and eager to build a stable and rewarding technical career, this apprenticeship offers a strong foundation. The funding, combined with practical learning and industry exposure, can help you gain confidence, develop essential skills, and move into a trade that continues to grow.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 20, 2025

Submit your application early and ensure all documents are included. Send your full application to projects@acra.co.za before the deadline.