ACR Journal

ACR industry Victoria Haslett is an AutoCAD technician for specialist HVAC supplier Exi-tite, based in Northern Ireland. Exi-tite was founded in 2013 and has grown to be one of the leading HVAC solution providers to the construction industry. very challenging as a woman to take on certain jobs on site but it was very rewarding once achieved. On-site tasks consisted of organising lorry slots for deliveries, handing over completed areas of steel, paint and decking, problem solving by creating DWG drawings and creating on site drawings. When I moved back to the office in Northern Ireland my job was to liaise with the engineers and project managers to detail steel buildings. My on-site experience made it easier to understand what I was detailing and to create well developed drawings for the site erectors and fabricators to follow. As a steel detailer I modelled and connected steel frame buildings to carry out general arrangement drawings for consultants and site. All drawings were carried out on a 3D software so we had a complete 3D model at the end. After 5 years I moved to my current job with Exi-tite. Current role I changed from the steel industry to HVAC, which was a completely new path for me. I have been enjoying the new challenges and I love the fact that I can be working on a different project every day. My current role within Exi-tite is an AutoCAD technician. My main responsibility is to carry out electronic technical drawings using AutoCAD and Revit software. I create drawings for different departments within the company, including air conditioning, air handling units, chillers, ventilation and the digital department. Starting out My career started when I went to South West College, Omagh, to complete a Foundation Degree in Architectural Technology and Management. At this stage I wasn’t sure what line of work I wanted to follow but I knew I wanted to do some type of design within the construction industry. During my time at college, I completed work experience within the Fermanagh District Council technical office and building control. I really enjoyed my time with the council as I gained good experience in office and on site. After two years I completed my foundation degree and was awarded the CIOB award for top construction student in Northern Ireland. I then completed my Honours degree at the University of Ulster Jordanstown. In the past two years, I have been back to the University of Ulster to give design presentations to the third year architecture students. First job During my last month of university, I got offered a job with Severfield NI based in Ballinmallard. Severfield is a leading steel company in both the UK and Irish markets. My role was a steel detailer and I carried out 3 months’ work experience on a large site in the centre of London. This was a brilliant experience and really helped me develop my skills in the construction industry. It was April 2022 | May 2022 Volume 8 No.3 28 WOMEN IN ACR Victoria Haslett