In the Air - HRAI Industry News

 HRAI was proud to participate in the 2026 Skills Ontario Competition, where students from secondary and post-secondary institutions across the province gathered to showcase their talents and explore careers in the skilled trades. 

The Heating and Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Committees, along with their dedicated Skills Coordinator, did a fantastic job designing, facilitating, and judging this year’s competition. Their ongoing commitment continues to make this event a success year after year, with many committee members contributing their time and expertise for more than 20 years. Their passion and leadership help create an exceptional experience for competitors while supporting the future of Ontario’s HVACR workforce. 

HRAI would also like to recognize and thank the many event material and equipment sponsors whose generosity helped make the competition possible. Industry support remains essential in providing students with meaningful, hands-on experiences that reflect real-world applications and standards. 

In addition to supporting the competition, HRAI hosted a career booth during the event, where an enthusiastic volunteer team engaged with more than 300 students to promote awareness and interest in the HVACR industry as a rewarding and viable career path. 

A special thank you goes out to the many HRAI Career Ambassadors who volunteered their time at the booth, sharing their experiences and helping inspire the next generation of skilled trades professionals. 

Events like Skills Ontario continue to play a vital role in connecting students with opportunities in the skilled trades while strengthening the future workforce for Ontario’s HVACR industry.