2026 Wallie Askew Memorial Workskills Competition: Regional recap
Six apprentices have secured their places in the 2026 Wallie Askew Memorial Workskills Competition final following regional challenges in Auckland, Palmerston North and Christchurch.
Every year, apprentices gather at one of three regional challenges to show their skills and theoretical knowledge as part of the Wallie Askew Memorial Workskills Competition. Hosted at locations across the country, 45 apprentices joined this year, with the top six competitors now gearing up for the final competition in October.
Representing the Northern region at the finals will be McAlpine Hussmann apprentices Cody Smith (Auckland) and Jayme Martin (Rotorua). Cullen House and Michael Herbert, both from McAlpine Hussmann Wellington, will represent
the Central region while Active Refrigeration Christchurch apprentices Jackson McKenzie and Max Sargeant will represent the Southern region.
For Northern finalist Cody Smith, who also competed in 2025, the practical elements were a highlight.
“It’s been a great opportunity to get hands-on, apply the skills I’ve learnt on the job, and challenge myself in situations that are a bit different from my everyday work,” he says.
Cody says that working under pressure, particularly with spectators watching, was the toughest part of the day – an experience that has helped him learn to stay focused and trust his training.
Returning to the competition has also given him an opportunity to see how far he has progressed, particularly in his confidence with electrical and control fault-finding.
For fellow Northern finalist Jayme Martin, meeting others within the trade was the best part of the day.
“My favourite part was being able to meet many other people who share the same interests in refrigeration as I do,” he says.
Electrical fault-finding proved to be his biggest challenge, providing a good test of his electrical knowledge. In October, he’s looking forward to meeting and testing his abilities against some of the country’s best refrigeration apprentices.
Central finalist Michael Herbert also valued the opportunity to be pushed beyond his comfort zone.
“My favourite part was being able to challenge myself, my old self would think it was too hard,”
he says.
Although he found the pipework task the toughest part of the regional challenge day, Michael is looking forward to once again testing himself at the final competition.
More than a result
Regardless of where an apprentice places, taking part in the Wallie Askew competition provides those early in their careers to set a benchmark for their development.
McAlpine Hussmann’s Lance Fry says competitions of this kind build resilience, sharpen problem-solving under pressure and encourage pride in the trade.
“The personal and professional growth is significant. Competitors walk away with elevated technical confidence, sharper diagnostic discipline and a real sense of accomplishment,” he says.
“It shows them what they’re truly capable of and gives them a benchmark of excellence that elevates their work back on site.”
Outside of the competition, McAlpine Hussmann apprentices receive day-to-day guidance from senior technicians and supervisors, one-on-one mentoring in the field and quarterly reviews with managers.
Second-year apprentices also participate in a three-day off-site training programme at the company’s Tauranga manufacturing facility, combining practical tasks, theory and system testing. Their experience across commercial refrigeration and HVAC further exposes them to systems ranging from supermarket and industrial cooling to commercial HVAC installations.
Lance says providing this breadth of experience, along with visible opportunities for progression, is important to attracting and retaining young people.
“As an industry, we need to show young people that HVAC&R is a dynamic career with long-term progression,” he says.
“Showing apprentices that their growth is valued, exposing them to modern, sustainable technologies like natural refrigerants and celebrating their achievements makes this an industry where top talent wants to stay and thrive.”
Show your support for this year’s finalists when they compete for the 2026 Wallie Askew Memorial Workskills title on October 2–3 at Steelfort Palmerston North.