ACR Journal

Coolair supports women in ACR Coolair.indd 1 02/02/2021 11:32 real passion of mine, I feel that our academy has a role to play in developing future engineers. How would you like to see your career developing? I see B-DACS growing our maintenance department and really growing our value proposition. I have a real passion for doing things right and I feel I could help other businesses in the future. I already mentor some young people and business owners but only as and when required. I would certainly love to do more of this in the future. What is the best piece of advice you were ever given? Just be yourself. So many times I have tried to be what others want and realised it’s better just to be who you are. Oh, and never gossip… it always comes back. What do you see as the challenges facing the industry? I see a real skills gap. I also see really experienced individuals who will leave the industry, so we need to train, train, train to get younger people with great attitudes moving the industry forward. We need mentors in place to develop the young workforce and be confident that they will evolve into what we need for the future. The future engineer will be required to have IT skills also as we move more into the digital era and it would be helpful if they could be multi-skilled and adapt to any discipline. What would you say to other women who are considering coming into the ACR industry? I would say you need to be confident, do not doubt your ability and learn new things every day. Networking has been one of the tools in my toolbox (as I am not an engineer). Just getting out there and speaking to people is a great way of getting to know people and building your own network and confidence. As a bit of a chatterbox, I love to hear people’s life stories. Everyone has a story to tell and that’s what makes networking really interesting. You never know who you might meet or what door opens for you. I was asked earlier this year by IOR Scotland to tell my career story at their annual ladies lunch. As I didn’t come originally from the industry it shows that no matter your background your skills are transferable and this was a great opportunity to network and meet new people. I am also honoured to represent BESA on the International Network for Women in Cooling organisation. This is really early days, however I have already started to connect with other members throughout the world and I am really excited about what this opportunity to network will bring. I am really open to sharing ideas and meeting new people. Is there a little-known fact about yourself that would surprise other people? This year I am the vice chair of NSPCC Ladies Lunch Committee Scotland. We have raised £40,000 for NSPCC Childline this year which I am very proud to be involved with the charity. We had 365 ladies attend a lunch in Glasgow which was a massive success. Also, I was on Scotland Home of the Year 2020 with our house that we fully renovated six years ago! CMYK / .ai CMYK / .ai CMYK / .ai acrjournal.uk 31 SPONSORED BY COOLAIR