The RAC industry in Australia celebrated an important milestone at ARBS this year as WorldSkills Australia and Heatcraft celebrated 20 years of partnership.
The Refrigeration competition category was first introduced by WorldSkills Australia in the late 1980’s. In 1996, Heatcraft Australia banded together with other trade organisations and industry associations to provide further support to the category.
This support coupled with up-and-coming young talent has showcased skills excellence within the refrigeration industry.
To this day, the category continues to inspire a new generation of refrigeration and air conditioning technicians such as apprentice Nathan McHugh, a TAFE Queensland SkillsTech student and recent gold medallist at the 2016 WorldSkills Australia National Refrigeration Competition.
Heatcraft Australia’s support of skills development extends even further. The James N Kirby Foundation – whose namesake founded of Kirby Refrigeration which eventually became part of Heatcraft Australia – provided over $83,000 of funding to Work Skill Australia (now WorldSkills Australia) from the establishment of the Refrigeration category to 1992.
“I think it is essential for Australia to advance its skills in the technical and managerial fields so that eventually it can be an exporter of these skills,” Sir James said when commenting on the Foundation’s purpose.
Now, Heatcraft Australia continues the proud legacy that Sir James Kirby began. Throughout the last 20 years, they have donated countless pieces of Kirby brand refrigeration equipment to WorldSkills Australia events on a regional and national level and even hosted a Regional Competition at their Milperra site in the early 1990’s.
They have supported the training of the category’s international champions including 1999 Skillaroo and Gold Medallist Chris MacDonald and 2015 Skillaroo and Medallion of Excellence winner Beau Kupris.
Having worked with WorldSkills Australia during his 29 years of employment with Heatcraft Australia, NSW field engineer Brad Farrell is well aware of this kind of dedication to skills excellence can make in the lives of young people.
“WorldSkills is extremely respected in the industry and good for these young apprentices to be involved in. It not only looks good on their CVs, but also holds them in good standing in the industry,” he said.
Heatcraft A/NZ vice president and general manager, Tom Overs, said its a milestone the company is proud of and a legacy they are keen to continue.
“An association such as this can only exist when both parties share common values. The celebration of excellence and skill development are just two of those shared values,” he said.
“We see an investment in WorldSkills Australia as an investment in our future tradespeople and our industry.
“We also acknowledge our valued suppliers, who over the years have also supplemented our donations with tools and ancillary product.”