For over 30 years, the Open Trade Training Centre in Dersley Park has been providing learners with skills to use in the refrigeration, air conditioning, and ventilation industry. However, the centre may now have to close down due to financial constraints.

The Springs Advertiser visited the centre on October 24 and spoke to the owner, German-born Springs resident Isolde Dobelin (81).

She told the publication that she saw an opportunity when she arrived from Germany with her husband, Peter, in 1982, to teach about refrigeration, as they both had work experience in the industry before moving to South Africa.

“When we arrived here, I told my husband that I wanted to open a centre where learners could gain a scarce skill. With the help of my friends and family in Germany, the dream became a reality,” she said.

The centre, built by her late husband, officially opened its doors on June 1, 1992.

“The centre currently has four teachers and offers five courses. We have learners enrolled in various courses, which run for three years,” said Dobelin.

She expressed pride in the success of the centre and its former learners, some of whom have grown in the industry and even opened their own businesses.

The centre has participated in various competitions worldwide, including the 2013 WorldSkills International Competition, where learners brought back medals.

“I am proud of the learners who have been part of the centre because the industry requires great skill, which we are able to provide,” said Dobelin.

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She also shared that over the years it has been difficult to run the centre due to a lack of enrolment. The centre currently has no electricity, as it owes the municipality, but Dobelin is determined not to close despite these challenges.

She hopes the centre will continue operating for many more years.

One of the former learners and a recent graduate, Shima Mokgabudi, told the publication that he heard of the centre through a centre worker. He added that he was surprised to find an institution where he could expand his knowledge.

“I have been in the food industry for 18 years, and I wanted to learn more. One of the scarce skills is having a refrigeration certificate to understand how the freezing of food is done and the appropriate temperatures,” said Mokgabudi.

He also said that he always tells people about the centre and how it has helped him secure part-time jobs using the skills he obtained.

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