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 3 of a three-part series.
The winner, Irwin van der Poll, receiving his award from Robert Fox. ©RACA Journal
The anticipation was palpable as competitors, judges and logistics staff gathered for the start of the inaugural SAIRAC Skills Development Hub competition at FRIGAIR 2025. Robert Fox, SAIRAC president, extended a warm welcome, expressing his hope that this pioneering event would become a cherished tradition, showcasing the depth of skill within the country’s HVAC&R sector.
Grant Laidlaw, SAIRAC treasurer then took the stage to outline the competition’s crucial rules and schedule, ensuring a fair and structured environment for all six contestants.
The rigorous competition commenced at 9:00 am on 4 June and was set to conclude by 12:15 pm the following Friday, whereafter judges would finalise their meticulous marking. Competitors were assigned individual numbers, corresponding to a detailed schedule that dictated their unique task timings and staggered lunch breaks.
Each participant received a lunch voucher, redeemable during their designated half-hour lunch slot. A strict warning was issued regarding punctuality, as any delays would directly impact a competitor’s allocated task time.
Upholding integrity and safety
Integrity and safety were paramount throughout the competition. Contestants were explicitly forbidden from using cell phones or engaging in any unauthorised communication with others, with immediate disqualification as the consequence for non-compliance. Bathroom breaks were encouraged to be scheduled strategically between tasks to minimise disruption.
Safety protocols were heavily emphasised. Participants were reminded to always wear appropriate safety shoes and to strictly observe all safety measures, particularly when working with refrigeration units and refrigerants.
A critical rule for all practical tasks was the documentation of every step and test performed. “If you don’t write it down, you haven’t done the test,” Laidlaw stressed, highlighting that the onus was entirely on the competitor to ensure their actions were recorded for the judges. While judges would observe, the primary responsibility for documentation lay with the contestants.
Laidlaw clarified that the theory test was not a pass/fail component, but rather a means to assess broader knowledge, with some questions intentionally designed to be challenging.
To ensure a smooth flow, coordinators were on hand to provide logistical support, assisting competitors with tools or any other necessary equipment. However, a clear distinction was made: “They will help you. They will not assist you passing the test.” Their role was facilitative, not instructional.
Dispute resolution
In the event of any disputes or questions regarding scoring, the Chief Judge held the ultimate authority. Should a moderation be required, the Chief Judge would consult with the designated moderator (who was also the competition’s organiser), whose advice would inform the final, binding decision. This clear chain of command ensured fairness and transparency throughout the event.
As the competition officially began, participants embarked on a challenging yet invaluable experience, set to test their skills and push their boundaries within the dynamic world of HVAC&R.
