By Eamonn Ryan
The halls of FRIGAIR 2025 buzzed with more than just industry innovation during 4-6 June, as the exhibition proudly hosted its inaugural SAIRAC Expo Skills Development Hub competition. This is Part 1 of a three-part series.
The contestants receive their instructions and are set to start. ©RACA Journal
Centre stage were the following contestants:
- Cayla Willers
- Irvin van der Poll
- Donovan Angel
- Gabankitse Malebaco
- Tebello Thebehae
- Trevor van Eden
The groundbreaking event saw these six promising young talents from across South Africa – hailing from three provinces (Western Cape, Free State and Gauteng) – put their HVAC&R expertise to the ultimate test. After a rigorous three-day challenge, Van der Poll emerged victorious, crowned the competition’s first champion, with Cayla Willers second.
The Skills Development Hub was meticulously designed by SAIRAC and Interact Media Defined to push participants beyond their comfort zones, covering a comprehensive array of practical and theoretical skills. Contestants were tested in crucial areas including:
- Electrical/3-Phase motor testing and Star/Delta wiring
- Hand tools proficiency
- Refrigeration tubing
- Installation pipework, electrical work, pressure testing and evacuation
- Commissioning, including charging, pressure switch setting and superheat calculation
- Comprehensive theory tests
The competition underscored the depth of South Africa’s skilled workforce in the air conditioning sector, a vital message amid the nation’s high unemployment rate.
A platform for excellence and growth
The success of the competition was a testament to strong industry collaboration. Generous sponsorship – from ACRA, SAIRAC, A-Gas, Danfoss, DROMEX, ebm papst, Evapco, GMC Airconditioning, Metraclark, Rothenberg Tools and testo – provided the essential resources, while dedicated judges, including esteemed figures chief judge Jaco Pieterse, with Laurie Jacobs, Hennie Basson and Pieter Potgieter, volunteered their time to meticulously evaluate each competitor. Their fairness was particularly highlighted by SAIRAC’s Grant Laidlaw, who noted the careful consideration given to all participants.
The contestants were recognised for their efforts, with prizes awarded to all six, but the top three additionally receiving cash awards: the first-place winner received R8 000, second place R6 000, and third place R4 000. Additionally, two contestants received special recognition for their outstanding positive attitudes throughout the demanding competition: Van Eeden and Willemse.
Meet the champion: Van der Poll’s journey to victory
Speaking to Cold Link Africa, the inaugural champion, Irwin van der Poll, said he discovered his passion for air conditioning almost by chance. During a visit to ACRA with his father, he was captivated by the workshop’s machinery, particularly motors and compressors. Assisted by Andrea (of ACRA), who guided them through the facility, he felt an immediate draw to the field, prompting him to pursue studies in refrigeration.
Reflecting on his experience in the competition, Van der Poll described it as both “exciting and challenging”, akin to a real-world trade test. Despite the inevitable nerves, he emphasised the importance of perseverance. “You can’t afford to fail because of nerves,” he shared, highlighting the mental fortitude required. He lauded the competition as a “really good challenge” and extended his respect to all participants, acknowledging the intensity felt by everyone.
Van der Poll is committed to a career in air conditioning and refrigeration, seeing his victory as a significant achievement to add to his resume. While he doesn’t have immediate plans for the prize money, the experience itself was profoundly valuable.
