BESA backing for WorldSkills UK
29th February 2024
UK:The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) is organising the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) category of the WorldSkills UK competition.
WorldSkills is a global movement involving more than 80 countries and is a partnership between the education sector, businesses, and governments.
UK students and apprentices aged 16 and above are now being invited to put their skills to the test and could ultimately win a place on the UK team that will compete at World Skills in Shanghai in 2026.
The WorldSkills UK competitions are open for entry now and applications must be submitted by March 28.
“We are delighted and proud to be asked to co-ordinate the competition for this important skills sector,” said Helen Yeulet, BESA’s director of competence and compliance.
“This is an amazing opportunity for young people in our industry to showcase and celebrate their skills in a prestigious international competition. As well as promoting themselves, they will also be demonstrating to the world the importance of the RAC sector and the breadth and depth of talent we have here in the UK.”
The competition is a seven-month process including regional heats and intensive training before stepping up to the ultimate test of the national finals in November, which will be held at venues across Greater Manchester.
Students and apprentices who excel in the national finals could then be selected to join WorldSkills UK’s international development and training programme, which can lead to them being selected for Team UK and competing at WorldSkills.
Entrants for the competition, which covers refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump systems, will be tested on digital programming, fault finding/diagnosis, fabrication, service, maintenance, and record keeping as well as their ability to charge equipment and recover refrigerants in line with environmental legislation.
Candidates must be working towards a level 3 qualification in refrigeration/air conditioning/heat pumps or have achieved a qualification within the last 12 months. They must also have no more than three years industry experience outside of their apprenticeship period.
To enter by March 28th, go to: WorldSkills UK Competitions.
