Re-Training Needs of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Artisans for Enhancing Performance in Makurdi Metropolis of Benue State

Abstract

The study examines the Re-Training Needs of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Artisans for Enhancing Performance in Makurdi Metropolis of Benue State. The objectives of the study is to look at the level to which artisans can carry out repairs in refrigeration and air conditioning, to find out the skills required by refrigeration and air conditioning work artisans to install Air Conditioning Systems in cars and buildings in Benue State. This was followed by the corresponding two hypotheses. The diffusion of innovation theory was adopted as the theoretical framework. This study used descriptive survey design. The sample size consists of 234 RAC artisans drawn from the four major towns in Benue State. Finally, the researcher adopted accidental sampling technique to select the first artisans which the researcher can reach. The questionnaire is structured on 4-point Likert Scale. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation was used to answer research questions while Chi-Square was used to test the null hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The items with the mean response scores of 2.50 and above were considered that the artisans possess the skills and do not need retraining. the findings of the study revealed that the extent to which refrigeration and air conditioning artisans possess skills of using modern vacuum pump to evacuate RAC systems, using recovery machine to recover refrigerants, working on electronic panel of an air conditioner and repairing electronic panel of an air conditioner remote control with much difficulty. The findings of the study revealed that the extent to which refrigeration and air conditioning artisans possess skills of wiring solar air conditioner and refrigerators, mounting an art cool air conditioner on the wall and mounting solar panel of a solar powered air conditioner is: “not possessed”. The study recommended among others that Refrigeration and air conditioning artisans should go for retaining on wiring solar air conditioner and refrigerators, mounting an art cool air conditioner on the wall and mounting solar panel of a solar powered air conditioner.