MISSISSAUGA, Ontario - The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors of Canada (HRAC) has announced that the CMX/CIPHEX 2006 trade show will host the 2006 Heating System Technician Competition, a provincial level competition that is part of the Skills Ontario 17th Annual Technological Skills Competitions. The Technological Skills Competition promotes careers in the skilled trades and technologies through provincial and national competitions.

On March 24, 2006, show attendees will be able to observe post-secondary students competing in the official Heating System Technician Competition. The competition includes practical, theoretical, and interview components and will focus on troubleshooting, mechanical operation, combustion safety, and general industry knowledge.

In addition, on March 23, HRAC will host the Secondary School Skills Challenge with the support of Enbridge Gas Distribution, Union Gas, and ClimateCare Co-operative. Secondary schools that offer a trades-related program will be sending their best students to compete.

Also, the Masters' Challenge on March 25 will be open to any veteran who would like to participate in a timed challenge that will include troubleshooting pre-set furnace faults and identifying "unique historical artifacts" provided by the HVACR Heritage Centre.

HRAC is a national association representing contractor firms that sell, install, and service HVACR products and services to the Canadian market. HRAC is a division of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI).

For more information, contact Martin Luymes, director, HRAC Services and Relations, at 800-267-2231 or e-mail mluymes@hrai.ca.

Publication date: 01/16/2006