WorldSkills UK Overview
At BESA we are proud to have been chosen as an organising partner of the WorldSkills UK competition, which celebrates both emerging and existing technical skills. We are responsible for organising the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) category of this major national skills event.
Refrigeration and air conditioning systems provide the conditions that are required for health, comfort and manufacturing. They also control the essential environments required for food, pharmaceuticals, and digital data.
The competition assesses candidates by showcasing their skills and knowledge through tasks inspired by real-life industry scenarios. It encompasses a comprehensive range of skills, including digital programming, fault finding/diagnosis, fabrication, and the service and maintenance of technical equipment.
The WorldSkills UK RAC Competition is a great way to enhance your skills and knowledge. If you are interested in taking part in next year's competition or know someone who is, why not get prepared now by completing some of BESA Academy's free online CPD courses.
Meet the competitors
Ricky Rossi
Employer: Thermocool LTD
How have you found the competition so far? The competition is great and I'm looking forward to the next stage and to hopefully continue on.
What are you most looking forward to? I’m looking forward to meeting the team and hopefully do well on the day.
What motivated you to choose refrigeration and air conditioning as your career? I really enjoy learning about how it all works when I was talking to my Grandad (boss) and wanted to further my education so he took me on and I’ve loved it ever since.
Jack McKnight
Employer: Mech Building Services
How have you found the competition so far? Its been a good experience, it feels good to be a part of.
What are you most looking forward to? To learn and challenge myself.
What motivated you to choose refrigeration and air conditioning as your career? I like doing the job because it involves different tasks such as pipe work and electrical drainage. There is also a variety of jobs to offer.
Scott Fosbury
Employer: Polar Airconditioning LTD
What are you most looking forward to? I'm most looking forward to meeting the other contestants.
What motivated you to choose refrigeration and air conditioning as your career? My dad works in the industry and taught me the tools and how to do pipework and I’ve loved it since.
Samuel Turato
Employer: DW Refrigeration LTD
How have you found the competition so far? It has been enjoyable and interesting.
What are you most looking forward to? Competing in the competition.
What motivated you to choose refrigeration and air conditioning as your career? It’s a great industry to grow in.
James Bland
Employer: Mitie FM
How have you found the competition so far? I am enjoying the experience so far and look forward to competing in the next round.
What are you most looking forward to? Training on practical brazing skills as I would like to improve my brazing further.
What motivated you to choose refrigeration and air conditioning as your career? It's very interesting and I enjoy the practical skills involved as it covers many different disciplines of engineering.
James Rowland
Employer: Air Control Southern LTD
How have you found the competition so far? It is well organised and has been a good competition to participate in.
What are you most looking forward to? I'm looking forward to showing the judges my skills in the industry.
What motivated you to choose refrigeration and air conditioning as your career? To develop the industry towards more sustainable and energy efficient systems in the future.
Alfie Hatcher
Employer: EMS LTD
Luke Sweetland
Employer: Army - Royal Engineers
How have you found the competition so far? I’ve really enjoyed the competition so far it’s really sparked my interest in the industry and I can’t wait to carry on this journey.
What are you most looking forward to? Meeting people with the same interest's in my chosen career and continuing to expand my knowledge on refrigeration and air conditioning.
What motivated you to choose refrigeration and air conditioning as your career? Refrigeration and air conditioning on a whole is a wide subject that covers multiple subjects, utilising a variety of different skills, I love a challenge and having so many skills to master is my main motivation.
Frankie Newman
Employer: Army - Royal Engineers
Luke Oliver
Employer: Army - Royal Engineers
Connor Rothwell
Employer: The AMCE Facilities Group
What are you most looking forward to? I’m looking forward to seeing how my skills compare to others.
What motivated you to choose refrigeration and air conditioning as your career? I was motivated to do refrigeration and air conditioning because it is a field which will always be needed and seemed really interesting to learn.
Finn Mottram
Employer: Booth Air conditioning
How have you found the competition so far? Refreshing and Informative, with good communication between competitors and BESA.
What are you most looking forward to? Taking part, gaining valuable experience, building practical skills and confidence, tackling new tasks, networking, and receiving feedback to improve my skills and performance. I'm eager to learn, strengthen my knowledge, and identify weaknesses. Although slightly nervous, I'm excited for the overall experience.
What motivated you to choose refrigeration and air conditioning as your career? The industry was attractive to me
because no two days are the same with different tasks, sites and faces. Every day is a school day! There are many opportunities and pathways with the industry and equipment constantly evolving keeping you on your toes.
I was seeking a technical and challenging employment as I enjoy problem solving, being hands on as well as maintaining high standards through a safety conscious approach. I take pride in my work and the service a customer receives.
I like having a forward thinking approach and consideration of the environment for future generations. I have a thirst for knowledge so enjoy how much training is available in this industry due to the multiple trades and skills required, both nationally and globally. Having a sense that I am making a difference with my time doing something I am passionate about is what I was striving to experience through my employment.
Matthew Barker
Employer: Johnson Controls INC
How have you found the competition so far? It has been a good process so far and I’m looking forward to the next stages.
What are you most looking forward to? Probably the pipe work exercise as I don’t really do much of that on a day to day so it will be a good test.
What motivated you to choose refrigeration and air conditioning as your career? My dad was working in the company which is how I learnt about this career and thought it would be something I’d like.
We wish all the competitors the best of luck in the upcoming stages of the WorldSkills UK competition. Your dedication and enthusiasm for the refrigeration and air conditioning industry are truly inspiring. Keep up the great work, and may your skills and passion lead you to success. Good luck!