Record entries from apprentices

Record entries from apprentices

Excitement levels are high with a record number of apprentices across the country putting their hands up to compete in this year’s Wallie Askew Memorial Workskills Competition

Rules introduced in 2023 mean the annual competition now allows apprentices who are under 25 at the date of the final competition to enter more than once during their apprenticeship. In 2024, we see the first returnees from the 2023 competition through Shannon Refrigeration, Comfort Air and McAlpine Hussmann. Among them are new competitors – bringing the total number of entries to a record high.

“We have 32 entries – the biggest entry ever for the Wallie Askew Memorial Workskills Competition,” says Gina McMaster, CEO of HVAC&R Centre. “Having an apprentice being able to enter the competition more than once not only strengthens the quality of the competitors, it lifts the overall competition for the HVAC&R industry.”

Entries have been received from 13 companies across New Zealand including:

• Active Refrigeration

• Aquaheat

• Chillex Group

• Comfort Air

• Core Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

• Dobsons

• Ecochill

• Edmond Air

• Excel Refrigeration

• Gavin Lowe Energy

• McAlpine Hussmann

• Philip Smith Electrical and Refrigeration

• Shannon Refrigeration

“Without the team support, the competition simply wouldn’t happen. Our fantastic support team for 2024 includes David Everett (coordinator), Daniel Jordan, Garrett Glynn, Trent McDonald, Phil Mohan, Chris Arvidson, Lee Todd, Martin Lightfoot and John Jenkins (logistics),” says Gina.

The regional volunteers and judges include previous Wallie Askew finals winners, Cameron Wilson-Meek (2022 finals winner) and Alex Arnold (2023 finals winner).

IRHACE invites all the HVAC&R industry to come along and support our apprentices.

ACSL Group 14 Mauku Road, Patumahoe, Auckland Saturday, July 6

Steelfort 500 Rangitikei Street, Cloverlea, Palmerston North Saturday, July 13

SIT 60 Waterloo Road, Hornby, Christchurch Saturday, July 20

Special thanks to our major sponsor Realcold with support from CCCANZ, ACSL Group, Steelfort and SIT for hosting the regional challenges.