Six refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump engineers have battled through to the final of this year’s RACHP WorldSkills UK competition from a record-breaking field of 18 qualifiers.
The competition is organised by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) and is part of the world’s largest skills showcase for apprentice talent. It is also supported by the heating, hot water and heat pump systems provider BAXI. Sponsorship is provided by the BDR Thermea Foundation.
The semi-finals took place during the InstallerSHOW at Birmingham’s NEC over three days and at the height of the UK’s hottest ever June temperatures. The heatwave gave an extra relevance to the skills showcase as the apprentices and young engineers undertook a gruelling series of practical tasks including fault finding/diagnosis, fabrication, and the service and maintenance of RACHP equipment along with everyday skills like time management and organisation.
The 18 finalists, representing the widest age range ever to reach this stage, had to complete two tasks lasting two and a half hours each. One involved the replacement of components and electrical testing, and the other focused on refrigeration pipework fabrication.
They completed their tasks in front of exhibition visitors and under the watchful eyes of a judging panel comprising experts from Beijer Ref, Daikin, Maple Mechanical, Catalen, Shelly Group and BAXI.
Intense competition
Following what they described as “an intense competition” which demonstrated “a massive improvement in the standard of work from previous years”, the judges selected these six outstanding engineers to take part in the final in Wales this November:
There are also two reserves on standby: Prajwal Dulal, Royal Engineers, and Connor Gibson, College of North West London, J.L.Harrison.
Competitors under 21 at the time of the final and who score above average will also be considered for the UK’s international squad preparing to compete at the 2028 Skills Olympics in Aichi, Japan.
James Burns said he knew the competition would be a challenge that pushed him out of his comfort zone but that “I had to give it my all”.
“I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into when joining the trade but everyday has proved to be increasingly fulfilling as I have progressed. I have gained a lot of my inspiration and drive along the journey.”
Martin Oates added that gaining a “unique set of practical skills while also having to grasp theoretical elements such as thermodynamics was both exciting and rewarding” which is what inspired him to join the industry.
Kian Ferns said that refrigeration interested him because every job was different with plenty of problem solving involved. “I enjoy learning how different systems work and fault finding. I like the fact that every day you take on board something new.”
Alex Huggins learned about the industry from a family member and came to love “the variety of the work…no two jobs are the same” and Kaya Yanik said he was excited to demonstrate his skills and see other people who also take pride in their work. “I love fault finding and doing things properly first time.”
Trainer Adam Smith from Total People commented on the importance of the competition at a time when training provision in the sector has been under pressure.
“WorldSkills UK is the most prestigious competition for our industry, it showcases companies, learners, colleges and training providers and it encourages young people to come into this industry,” he said.
The finalists will also be part of this year’s BESA Annual Conference at the Brewery, London on October 22 where there will be a dedicated WorldSkills UK theatre. They will also be honoured at the BESA Industry Awards the same evening.
You can register for the Conference here and the WorldSkills UK final will be live streamed with registration available here.