Still more success as Adam keeps his competitive cool

Fresh from his recent win - as reported last week - in the regional SkillBuild competition, Adam (21) has since been crowned 2012’s SkillFRIDGE champion.

SkillFRIDGE is the national refrigeration and air conditioning practical skills competition designed to promote standards and skills in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.

Competitors battled it out alongside some 60 other skills competitions showcaseing the best up-and-coming talent across a range of occupations.

Adam, a student at the South Eastern Regional College’s Lisburn Campus, was declared champion after after three days of intense practical competition at The Skills Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

There he faced a complex installation and the commissioning of a refrigeration system into a simulated cold room.

The judges scored Adam highest against strict criteria, including correct refrigerant handling and accuracy of pipework installation, electrical circuitry and operating temperatures.

“I can’t believe I’ve won SkillFRIDGE,” said Adam, a final-year apprentice employed by Aircon Sales and Service.

“I certainly wasn’t expecting to win…it was anyone’s game.

“Any of the lads could have won it - the standard of work was very high and we all finished in and around the same time so it was a close call.

“It’s been very interesting and exciting, and the prizes are just amazing. I would highly recommend the competition to anyone thinking of entering next year.

“I thought it was worthwhile and a really good experience.”

John Nixon, Head of School for Construction and Engineering Services at SERC, said “I would like to congratulate Adam on his success. Taking a gold medal at a national competition is something to be proud of and I hope he cherishes this achievement for a long time.

“He is a credit to the College, his family and his employers; I have no doubt he will continue to develop his skills within the industry and have a very successful career. “His success is a credit to the lecturers and employers who have been supporting him in advance of the intense competition.”

Adam’s employer, Ian McFerran, Managing Director of Aircon Sales and Service, added, “Congratulations to Adam. He has represented himself, SERC and our company extremely well and we are very proud of his success.

“It is a privilege to be associated with SERC over the years as we are committed to supporting apprentices. The programme provides us with a continuous stream of readymade, motivated young talent, whose skills and expertise can be ultilised within the company for many years.”

SERC students are encouraged to get involved in competitions as it demonstrates to future employers the level of skill and commitment they have within their industry.