Celebrating women in HVAC&R

To inspire inclusion, IRHACE sat down with three women leading the way in the HVAC&R industry to hear their experiences and advice for others

International Women’s Day on March 8 each year is a celebration of women’s achievements worldwide. This year, the campaign’s theme was to Inspire Inclusion – emphasising the importance of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society.

It’s a theme that underscores the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality. It calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes and create environments where all women are valued and respected.

This year to inspire inclusion in the HVAC&R industry, IRHACE sat down with three inspiring women to learn more about their roles, journeys and experiences in the sector, and how other women can make the most of a career in the industry.

PIP STRICKLAND REGIONAL SALES MANAGER AT REFSPECS

What advice do you have for women starting out in the HVAC sector today?

I have been involved in the HVAC&R industry for nearly 15 years now, with the past eight years being part of the fantastic, diverse team at Refspecs. Similar to many individuals, I stumbled into this field without prior knowledge. It’s an industry that everyone utilises, but it isn’t widely recognised.

Navigating through a predominantly male oriented industry as a woman can pose initial challenges in gaining acceptance and overcoming certain stereotypes. However, like any field, dedication and time investment in learning can outweigh any struggles.

Engaging with other women in our profession, networking, learning and addressing challenges has also proven invaluable.

How can others mentor and empower women to succeed in the sector?

The refrigeration and HVAC sector boasts numerous successful women, including company owners, engineers and salespeople, whom I greatly admire. For women considering entering this fantastic profession, I recommend attending industry events to connect with the inspiring individuals who contribute to the excellence of our field.

LISA STONEHAM SERVICE COORDINATOR AT ABC PUMPS

What advice do you have for women starting out in the HVAC sector today?

It is a great industry if you apply yourself. Don’t be afraid to jump in, ask questions and give things a go. You don’t become a good technician without making mistakes.

Have you had any key mentors in your career? Can you share a little about them and how they’ve guided you?

I started my refrigeration apprenticeship in early 2012 and have had some great mentors along the way, but it all started with Michael Jowett. I met Michael on the first day of my apprenticeship and he was the main technician I worked with for the first two years of my apprenticeship. My first day was replacing a compressor on a supermarket rack system. Michael took the time to explain everything, the different components, how they worked and made sure I understood what I was doing and why.

I was very fortunate during my apprenticeship and I worked with an amazing team of technicians who were always willing to help and answer questions.

How can others mentor and empower women to succeed in the sector?

I don’t think it is just women; all apprentices need to work with more experienced technicians who are willing to take the time to train them and ensure they have a full understanding of what they are doing and how things work.

Is there anything you’d like to see change in the industry to encourage more women to start a career in HVAC?

It is a common misconception that HVAC and refrigeration technicians are just electricians. As it becomes more common knowledge that they are separate, specialised trades, more people will be interested in joining.

The key is showing people the broad range of work available under the HVAC&R umbrella. It’s not just cleaning filters and checking temperatures.

SARAH-JAYNE COOK PRESIDENT OF THE INSTITUTE OF REFRIGERATION (IOR)

What advice do you have for women starting out in the HVAC sector today?

Network, network, network! When I started my career almost 24 years ago, my support network was very much limited to my place of work; we simply were not blessed with all the fantastic online platforms we have today. While the number of women working in HVAC has remained relatively static, online platforms have brought our communities together allowing us to connect with other women working in our field, amplifying our voices, and growing our collective influence. With our online platforms and subsequent networks, I really feel like I have found my tribe – like-minded women who actively build other women up!

I would recommend joining the International Women in Cooling (INWIC) community through their website, and the Women in Cooling LinkedIn group as a starting point. You never know where these connections may lead you and the breadth of knowledge you will gain from them.

Have you had any key mentors in your career? Can you share a little about them and how they’ve guided you?

I have been lucky to have been supported and encouraged by several incredibly inspiring people throughout my career to date, but the most significant is my current mentor. I like to think our connection was made through a shared passion for cooling and building a better environment for everyone to thrive in. It has never been a formal arrangement, but more a friendship that has grown into mentorship and sponsorship over the last eight years.

Having someone I can confide in and seek advice and guidance from has been pivotal for my career. My mentor has listened, guided and challenged me, and probably most importantly, has sponsored my progression. It’s not what people say about you while you’re in the room, but what they say and do to actively promote you when you are not present that will have a meaningful impact. To have someone who believes in you wholly and has all the qualities required to successfully advocate for you is a true gift, one for which I am extremely grateful.

How can others mentor and empower women to succeed in the sector?

Just as I have a mentor and sponsor, you too can offer the same for your colleagues and network. It is one thing to walk through the doors of opportunity, but it takes a true leader to hold that door open for those who follow behind. Be humble, acknowledge your privilege and advocate for the rising stars around you.

In practical terms, nominate your up-and-coming talent for projects and promotions, sing their praises where they are due, offer up opportunities to lead or present, and support them fully through the process. Whether you are a mentor or mentee, it takes long-term commitment, listening, sharing your knowledge and experiences, being respectful and ensuring confidentiality on both sides.

Is there anything you’d like to see change in the industry to encourage more women to start a career in HVAC?

Beyond wider culture change, role models are vitally important in attracting fresh talent. After all, ‘you cannot be what you cannot see’. Role models make our goals tangible. Seeing others succeeding and pushing for their work to be the best it can be inspires us to do the same. Support and encourage those around you to shine as the strong role models you know they are.

Good role models will motivate their teams to do their best to excel at work, will lead by example, provide valuable career insights, and will help others to set realistic goals and plan for professional development. Ultimately, they will act as beacons for other women considering a career in HVAC.