3 minute read
AIRAH News
from HVAC&R Nation October 2021
by AIRAH
THREE ACES
The finalists for the 2021 AIRAH Awards have been announced, including a trio of talented techs in the Student of the Year – Trade category.
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Every year AIRAH celebrates the leading people, projects and products in the HVAC&R industry through its awards program. A team of expert and independent judges works through the nominees, and narrows them down to the finalists. Winners are then announced at a gala dinner at the end of the year.
Last year, due to COVID-19, the event was held virtually. This year, AIRAH’s plans for a face-to-face were once again being threatened by the pandemic. With the path to reopening now clearer, the Institute has decided to push back the 2021 ceremony to February next year. That means these three finalists get a little longer to bask in the glory of being selected! ■
James Errington
After winning the AIRAH SA Apprentice of the Year Award earlier this year, South Australian fridgie James Errington is looking to add another accolade to the trophy cabinet.
Errington recently completed his apprenticeship, working with Copper Coast Refrigeration in Moonta, on the Yorke Peninsula. The rural location has given him the opportunity to work across a wide range of equipment, with a focus on commercial jobs. This includes installation, maintenance and fault-finding with equipment in restaurants and pubs, supermarkets, and commercial premises.
“James has shown great maturity and aptitude towards his studies, always working efficiently and assisting others with confidence,” says TAFESA lecturer Nick Burston, Affil.AIRAH. “James’ on-the-job experiences have definitely contributed to his successes with his studies, and this has been evident by his strong understanding of the refrigeration and air conditioning vocation.”
Jason Evangeledis
After completing his Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician in 2020, Melbourne-based Jason Evangeledis set his sights on dual-trade status.
“In the midst of COVID-19 and continuous lockdowns in 2020 and 2021, Jason has pushed through and has been able to complete several modules of his Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration,” says Susan Jo from his employer, CFM Air Conditioning.
“Jason has always shown initiative and a willingness to learn and grow, not only for the benefit of himself, but also for CFM Air Conditioning.”
His training has given Evangeledis an edge dealing with electrical issues, automated BAS, software packages, digital and wi-fi controls, as well as the latest technology in control systems. He has also been praised for his customer service skills.
Gala sponsor Excellence in Innovation sponsor
AIRAH AWARDS SPONSORS
Future Leader sponsor Student of the Year – Trade sponsor
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
For more information on the AIRAH Awards, including the other finalists and details on the gala dinner, go to www.airah.org.au/awards
Jessica Lonsdale
Hailing from Western Australia, Jessica Lonsdale has already completed a Certificate III in Engineering – Refrigeration Trade, and is now undertaking a Certificate IV in HVAC and Diploma of engineering technical (HVAC) at South Metropolitan TAFE. She works for BHP Nickel West, which has given her experience in both residential and mining sites.
Her wide range of skills includes service and maintenance of split system and package air conditioners, cool room units, ice machines, supermarket refrigeration, industrial, and domestic evaporative air conditioning units.
“Jessica has demonstrated her passion for the HVAC industry and her attitude is one that all her peers at TAFE admire,” says lecturer Dennis Kenworthy, Affil.AIRAH.
“She is a team contributor who learns fast and is not afraid to help others, and to thoroughly research information on products to expand her capabilities.”
