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WorldSkills UK RAC Competition

WorldSkills UK Refrigeration And Air Conditioning Competition 2024

BESA are proud to have been chosen as an organising partner of the WorldSkills UK competition, which celebrates both emerging and existing technical skills. 

The competition sets out to identify the most talented young apprentices working in various technical sectors. Run annually, it is designed to raise standards, esteem, and levels of expertise in technical skills across multiple streams of competition, including Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.

Assessing 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.

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Countdown to the 2025 Registration Opening

Meet the BESA WorldSkills UK Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Finalists 2024

What the Candidates Had to Say...

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“I would like to thank BESA and WorldSkills UK for the opportunity to take part in the competition if anything I learned a lot today even under pressure which will help me as I go forward, I will be urging anyone that is thinking about giving it a go to go for it!

Also thanks to Beijer Ref for the academy to do the competition in the set up on there is quite incredible looking forward to seeing the Glasgow one when it is up and running.” 

Ricky Rossi WorldSkills UK RAC Finalist 2024

“Many thanks for being a part of the team involved with yesterday’s event. It was great to meet you all. Regardless of my mishaps, I thoroughly enjoyed the day and very grateful for the opportunity to take part.”

Finn Mottram WorldSkills UK RAC National Qualifier 2024

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“I really enjoyed the semi finals and thank you to all the staff for setting it up.”

Sam Turato WorldSkills UK RAC Finalist 2024

What are the benefits of taking part in the competition?

For Competitors...

  • Enhance technical skills and employability.
  • Participate in a supportive, diverse environment.
  • Acquire new competencies in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.
  • Gain industry recognition and advanced career opportunities.

For Employers...

  • Improve long-term business performance.
  • Showcase commitment to high standards in work-based learning.
  • Elevate and enhance apprentices' skills.
  • Strengthen talent pipeline and increase employee motivation.

For Colleges and Training Providers...

  • Equip students to perform under pressure and meet OFSTED standards.
  • Demonstrate excellence in training programs.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement and enhance institutional reputation.
  • Integrate unique teaching and assessment methods to benefit learners.

The process

WorldSkills UK is dedicated to promoting excellence in vocational education, inspiring the next generation of skilled professionals on the global stage. The competition includes 4 key stages:

1. Pre-Entry Assessments

Candidates start with pre-entry assessments to evaluate their foundational skills and knowledge in their chosen trade, which may include practical tasks and theoretical tests.

2. Regional Competitions

Selected applicants participate in regional competitions, demonstrating their skills in a competitive environment. Winners advance to the National Finals.

3. Training and Development

After the Regional Competitions, all competitors will receive a personalised development plan. Successful participants will focus on preparing for the national finals, while those who did not qualify will receive strategies to enhance their skills for future competitions or everyday work. 

4. National Finals and Beyond

The national finals bring together the top competitors from each region, where they face challenging tasks judged by industry professionals based on precision, quality, and innovation.

Top performers earn the chance to represent the UK in an International competition, undergoing rigorous training with expert coaches to refine their skills.

Want to be part of next years competition?

If you believe you have what it takes to compete at the highest level, or if you know someone who does, we want to hear from you! Employees, Colleges, and Training Providers can nominate their top candidates, while companies have the opportunity to sponsor the event and support the next generation of industry leaders.

Reach out to the team today to find out more about how to be involved in next year’s competition by emailing: competitions@thebesa.com.

Get involved with the BESA NextGen Network

The BESA NextGen Network, established in 2017 and formerly known as BESA Future Leaders, aims to develop the next generation of building engineering professionals and encourage careers in engineering services. It also brings new ideas and perspectives to the industry and BESA as a trade body.

This diverse group consists of professionals from various backgrounds and roles within the building engineering sector. Their diversity supports information sharing, career development, and unique learning opportunities for all involved.

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Resources

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BESA Publications & Guidance

The BESA Knowledge shop offers a vast array of publications and technical guidance across various sectors. For ventilation, you can find resources such as; DW172 Specification for Ventilation Systems, TR35 Low Energy Ventilation for Residential buildings, TR40 Local Exhaust Ventilation and many more.

In the refrigeration and air conditioning category, the collection includes essential guides like RAC 80: Design Specification for DX Packaged Air Conditioning Equipment in Buildings, TR30 Guide to Good Practice for Heat Pumps, A Beginner's Guide to Indoor Air Quality, and more.

SHOP THE PUBLICATIONS
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BESA Academy Training and CPDs

Benefit from setting up a free Academy account with BESA Academy, where you can access a wealth of resources designed to enhance your professional development. Take advantage of free CPD opportunities and fully funded upskilling courses that ensure you stay at the forefront of industry standards and practices.

Deepen your expertise or prepare for industry competitions, the Academy provides valuable tools and training to boost your knowledge and skills. By joining the BESA Academy, you'll be well-equipped to excel in your career and meet the evolving demands of the building engineering services sector.

BROWSE ACADEMY COURSES
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TR19 Air Webinar

This informative BESA Webinar delves into the recent changes to TR19® Air, highlighting the updated requirements that must now be adopted within the industry. It provides a comprehensive overview of the new standards, offering insights into how these changes impact current practices and what steps need to be taken to ensure compliance.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, this webinar is an invaluable resource for staying up-to-date with the latest developments in air hygiene standards. You can conveniently watch the webinar on demand at your leisure, making it easy to access this crucial information whenever it suits your schedule.

TR19® AIR EXPLAINED ON DEMAND

Official Sponsor

REFCOM

REFCOM is delighted to be the main sponsor of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning WorldSkills UK Competition.

"We are incredibly excited to support this prestigious event that highlights the exceptional skills and dedication of young professionals in our industry."