12 March 2025
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The International Network of Women in Cooling (INWIC) chose International women's Day to officially launch a free online Mentorship Programme designed to encourage knowledge exchange and career development in the industry.
Professionals in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps are invited to register as mentors or mentees and become part of the first cohort of the service.
INWIC is an international network of organisations that promotes the role of women in the RACHP sector, contributes to improving the professional careers of women working or studying in cooling, promotes best practices including those related to the environment, and inspires future generations of women to join the sector.
Steve Gill, founder and Co-Secretariat of INWIC, said: "Mentorship has the power to transform careers and lives. By connecting women professionals across the cooling and heating sector, this programme not only fosters skills development but also builds confidence, networks, and a sense of belonging in an industry that must embrace diversity to thrive. The INWIC Mentorship Programme is a step toward a more inclusive and empowered workforce, ensuring that women in cooling and heating have the support and opportunities they deserve. I encourage both mentors and mentees to join us in shaping the future of our industry together."
Participants sign up as a mentor, a mentee, or both.
Mentees: The programme is open to INWIC members looking for guidance and support in their careers.
Mentors: INWIC members and INWIC affiliates, including male colleagues supporting gender diversity in the industry, can join the programme as mentors.
For free INWIC registration click here.
Mentees will then be assigned a mentor automatically.
With limited mentorship opportunities in the cooling sector worldwide, the Mentorship Programme aims to bridge the gap by providing an accessible platform for women and other professionals in the industry. It is designed to be inclusive and accessible to professionals at all levels, including technicians, engineers, managers, and industry leaders.
Recognising that technical skills are critical in the cooling sector, the programme also offers mentorship opportunities tailored to technicians seeking professional development and technical guidance, to gain insights into best practices, techniques, skills and career progression.
The programme will offer a three-month mentorship cycle, renewable, with an opportunity for mentees to gain insights from industry professionals and receive career guidance based on their goals.
The programme is designed to support mentees at all career stages, whether they are early-career professionals, mid-career specialists, or individuals transitioning into leadership roles.
Mentees will be matched with experienced mentors from around the world, providing exposure to different industry practices, insights, and career pathways in the cooling sector.
This new programme is powered by MentorCity software with all communication taking place within the system, so there is no need to exchange personal details. This provides an extra layer of security as well as improved mentoring tools as part of the software.
Those in the RACHP industry are invited to register on the INWIC website as mentors or mentees for this free service.
