Refrigeration and air conditioning take world stage

RUSSIA: Young and aspiring refrigeration and air conditioning engineers from across the world take centre stage tomorrow with the official opening of the 45th WorldSkills Competition in Kazan, Russia.

The biennial competition, taking place at the Kazan Expo International Exhibition Centre from 22-27 August, brings together more than 1,300 young professionals from 63 countries and regions who will compete in 56 skills. 

This year’s event sees 28 young people competing in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning skills event. They will be tested on their skills through a series of stand alone modules. These tests include brazing, equipment knowledge, installation, commissioning and adjustment, fault finding and component replacement.

“The young people who have travelled to Kazan from all over the world have trained long and hard to show us skills at the very highest level and to seek the ultimate goal: to go home as WorldSkills champions,” said WorldSkills International CEO David Hoey. He also acknowledged the growth of the event: “WorldSkills now encompasses an astonishing two thirds of the world’s population and reaches into ever new regions.

“Our Members now come from every continent, with populations that range from more than one billion to just a few hundred thousand. Large and small, what they all understand is the power of skills to change lives and the vital importance of vocational training and education,” he added.

“For all the young women and men taking part, this event is an opportunity to show their considerable talents and years of training, but also to advance and learn from the global community of experts gathered here in Kazan,” commented WorldSkills president Simon Bartley.

This year’s Refrigeration and Air Conditioning skills competitors: