Jack Butler, a HVAC&R apprentice at Active Refrigeration, has been selected to represent New Zealand in the 47th WorldSkills International Competition in Lyon, France, in September 2024.
A competitor in the Institute of Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning Engineers of New Zealand’s (IRHACE) annual Wallie Askew Memorial Workskills Competition, Jack was one of six young apprentices that showcased their skills under the watchful eyes of industry expert judges in the two-day event held at Steelfort, Palmerston North. Each competitor demonstrated skills and knowledge for theory and practical assignments.
WorldSkills New Zealand is a charitable trust, part of an 86-member country movement that promotes competition across scores of vocational skills: from refrigeration and air conditioning, aircraft maintenance, welding and additive manufacturing, to cooking, cybersecurity, graphic design, renewable energy and more.
“Having an apprentice from the HVAC&R industry represent New Zealand at such a prestigious event is a remarkable achievement. This is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate New Zealand’s skills and capabilities in the HVAC&R sector to an international audience,” says Gina McMaster, executive officer of HVAC&R industry associations.
“Being the pioneer apprentice to represent the HVAC&R industry in New Zealand is a huge honour. Jack’s success is undoubtedly a result of immense hard work and dedication from not only himself, but also from his family, mentors, trainers, the workplace providing opportunities, and the experts and companies offering essential training and guidance.”
Carl Rankin, WorldSkills New Zealand general manager, agrees it will be great to see New Zealand’s HVAC&R sector represented on the world stage.
“This is the first time we will be competing in this skill at the international competition and it’s an amazing opportunity in so many ways – to connect with the international HVAC community, to learn and to showcase a pathway for young people.
“Jack will be one of 29 competitors, each representing their country, and all will be aiming to win gold. Jack will be required to have a deep knowledge of all aspects of the skill, from component fabrication and brazing through to electrical fault-finding and everything in between. He will be tested to his absolute limits during the four-day competition,” says Carl.
If you’d like to support Jack in the competition, please reach out to learn more about becoming a sponsor. For more information, email IRHACE executive officer Gina McMaster via eo@irhace.org.nz.
