( We ’ ll tell you more about the competition in the next edition .)

To qualify for the national competition , the four young artisans ( under the age of 22 years ) scored top marks in a timed theoretical test that was followed by a two-day practical test , all done under the watchful eyes of three judges . Those who have never been directly involved in the skills competition , often ask as to the level of theory that is tested .

As an example , a few questions are quoted from the 35 questions in Test 1 , which totalled 200 points :

• What does the term ‘ cold chain ’ mean ?

• Explain the term ‘ convection ’.

• What is latent heat ? ( Give one example .)

• What is subcooling ?

• Draw a sketch of a three-phase motor connected in ‘ star ’. Name the contacts .

• A compressor fails to start , hums and trips overload . Give four possible reasons .

• What is ODP or ( ODS )?

• Why do we need superheat ?

• What is meant by the ‘ boiling point ’ of a refrigerant ?

• How does air in the plant affect the plant ?

The 30 questions in Test 2 ( for a total of 60 points ) ask for a selection between two answers , for example :

1 . What is an agitator ? a . A device for mixing liquids . b . Device used to cause motion in a confined fluid .

2 . What is ammonia ? a . Chemical combination of nitrogen and hydrogen ( NH3 ). Ammonia refrigerant is identified as R119 . b . Chemical combination of nitrogen and hydrogen ( NH3 ). Ammonia refrigerant is identified as R717 .

3 . What is check valve ?

a . Valve assembly that permits flow of fluid in one direction only . b . Valve assembly that permits flow of fluid in two directions .

4 . What is ‘ design pressure ’? a . Highest pressure expected during operation . Sometimes used as the calculated operating pressure plus an allowance for safety . b . Highest pressure expected during operation . Sometimes used as the calculated operating pressure minus an allowance for safety .

5 . What is a flooded evaporator ? a . An evaporator that contains too much liquid and needs to be drained of some liquid . b . An evaporator containing liquid refrigerant at all times .

6 . What is operating pressure ? a . Actual pressure at which the system works under normal conditions . The pressure can only be positive . b . Actual pressure at which the system works under normal conditions . The pressure may be positive or negative .

7 . What is a relief valve ? a . Safety device on a sealed system . It opens to release fluids before a dangerous pressure is reached . b . Relief valve on a sealed system that closes to stop pressure build-up .

Two hours were allowed for the completion of both tests .

Only those that scored well in the theory test entered the practical test , where they were required to install and commission a small refrigeration system with copper coils , a hermetic compressor , and hot gas defrost . Pipe bending , the use of hand tools , pressure testing , evacuation , and safe work procedures were all checked by the three judges during the allotted time of ten hours , spread over two days .

Skills competitions are competitions with a difference . They test and develop

the vocational skills of those working within the industry , and they are an excellent way to raise skill levels . Each competition is specifically designed to test technical skills and workplace safety as well as life skills and the ability to complete projects to a high standard within a specific timeframe . The hallmark of a good competition is that it tests skills that the youth needs to succeed in their chosen vocational career . Skills competitions bring proven benefits to a variety of groups of people , including individuals , employers , and training providers .

Competitors benefit from the experience of working under pressure and they observe excellence in action .

The competition showcases the industry and encourages new recruits . It offers access to a network of other professionals for exchanging good practice , principles , and information , and it provides added value to national standards .

World Skills South Africa is the premier skills and growth development agency in southern Africa , promoting equity through self-advancement and training . The aim is to establish international skill standards that are benchmarked through the efforts of South Africans . Employers , training providers , and industry stakeholders are called upon to support World Skills South Africa in its endeavours to develop a culture of respect towards those individuals and skills that create a better country for us all . CLA