3 minute read
The importance of skill-based competitions
Competitions are about more than winning, they’re a chance to showcase your skills and network with peers and the wider industry
The HVAC&R sector faces constant changes; technological advancements need to be kept on top of, as well as increasing environmental concerns and changing industry regulations.
It’s an industry that requires more and more people to join. As they do, it’s important to separate yourself from the crowd to establish yourself as a knowledgeable technician that has what it takes.
Every employer looks for highly skilled individuals, and skills-based competitions can help you stand out in the employment market.
Getting involved in competitions will enhance your technical abilities and help you develop employable skills.
The benefits of participating in skills-based competitions
• Resilience
• The ability to work under pressure
• Greater technical skill development
• Enhanced teamwork and communication skills
• Development of self-reflection skills and confidence
• Career development and progression opportunities
• Time-management skills
• Networking with peers and the wider industry
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills
“It’s not just about competing and winning, it’s also about apprentices getting the opportunity to challenge themselves against others and learn something new,” says Trent McDonald, IRHACE Councilor and judge for theory and electrical in last year’s Southern regional challenge.
It all starts with regional competitions
Each year, IRHACE hosts the Wallie Askew Memorial Workskills Competition – the premier skill competition for young apprentices in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration fields in New Zealand.
Each year, regional competitions are held – Northern, Central and Southern – and test the skills and knowledge of apprentices who have the opportunity to place in one of the top two positions to go on to compete at a national level at the finals.
Competing at the global level is also an exciting possibility for entrants, with one of the competing apprentices in last year’s Wallie Askew Competition having been selected to represent the country at the 2024 WorldSkills International Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Competition in Lyon, France.
Supporting competitors from the sidelines
If competing isn’t for you, or you’re interested in seeing what it’s all about, you’re welcome to come along and watch the action at the upcoming Wallie Askew Regionals.
“Our industry really comes together and to see that there are lots of companies putting a lot of time into young people joining the industry and helping those young people excel is fantastic,” says Phil Mohan, IRHACE president.
The regional challenges are held across New Zealand in July, with the final competition held in Palmerston North in October. We hope to see you there!
“To see that there are lots of companies putting a lot of time into young people joining the industry and helping those young people excel is fantastic.”
- Phil Mohan
