HVAC&R apprentice representing New Zealand on the world stage

For the first time, a local apprentice will be representing New Zealand on the world stage in HVAC&R

A competitor in IRHACE’s annual Wallie Askew Memorial Worldskills Competition, Jack Butler from Active Refrigeration was one of six young apprentices who showcased their skills under the watchful eyes of industry expert judges in the two-day event held at Steelfort, Palmerston North. Now, Jack has qualified to participate in the 47th WorldSkills International Competition in France later this year.

WorldSkills New Zealand is a charitable trust, part of an 86-member country movement that promotes competition across scores of vocational skills: from refrigeration and air conditioning, aircraft maintenance, welding and additive manufacturing, to cooking, cybersecurity, graphic design, renewable energy and more.

“Having an apprentice from the HVAC&R industry represent New Zealand at such a prestigious event is a remarkable achievement. This is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate New Zealand’s skills and capabilities in the HVAC&R sector to an international audience,” says Gina McMaster, CEO of IRHACE and HVAC&R industry associations.

Carl Rankin, WorldSkills New Zealand general manager, agrees it will be great to see New Zealand’s HVAC&R sector represented on the world stage.

“This is the first time we will be competing in this skill at the international competition and it’s an amazing opportunity in so many ways – to connect with the international HVAC community, to learn and to showcase a pathway for young people.

“Jack will be one of 29 competitors, each representing their country, and all will be aiming to win gold. Jack will be required to have a deep knowledge of all aspects of the skill, from component fabrication and brazing through to electrical fault-finding and everything in between. He will be tested to his absolute limits during the four-day competition,” says Carl.

In the leadup to WorldSkills in September, Jack will also be participating in the Global Skills Challenge held in Melbourne in May. Believed to be the biggest international skills event to be held in Australia this year, it’s an event designed to simulate a WorldSkills International Competition. The event will be held over four days, use the same marking and assessment framework as WorldSkills, and include test projects and materials based on those that will be used in Lyon where possible. Australian CIS Skill Advisors will also be at the competition, if available.

Accompanying Jack will be Neill Adkins, New Zealand’s WorldSkills expert.

If you’d like to support Jack in the WorldSkills International Competition or the Global Skills Challenge, please reach out to learn more about becoming a sponsor.

“Events like these don’t just happen – they require dedicated effort, expertise and passion,” says Carl. For more information about supporting Jack, contact Gina McMaster: eo@irhace.org.nz