INWIC has recently launched the new Mentorship Programme, an online service designed to connect women professionals in the refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump (RACHP) sector worldwide. The initiative aims to foster knowledge exchange, support professional development and contribute in a structured way to the advancement of women’s careers in an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated.
The programme is free of charge and open to technicians, engineers, managers and senior industry figures, who can register either as mentors or mentees and join the first cohort of participants. It is based on renewable three-month mentorship cycles, during which mentees can benefit from direct interaction with experienced professionals, gaining guidance and insights aligned with their individual career goals. For mentors, the programme offers an opportunity to develop leadership skills while actively supporting the next generation of women professionals in the cooling sector.
Mentorship activities may cover a wide range of topics, including technical expertise in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps, as well as soft skills such as leadership, communication and career development. Particular attention is also given to workplace challenges, especially those related to career progression in a traditionally male-dominated industrial environment.
A key strength of the INWIC Mentorship Programme is its global scope. Through an accessible online platform, participants can connect with professionals from different countries, markets and professional backgrounds, enabling cross-border knowledge sharing and fresh perspectives. Mentors and mentees are matched automatically, and each mentoring relationship is governed by a personalised mentorship agreement. With a recommended three-month cycle, extendable if needed, the frequency and format of meetings can be adapted to individual needs, time zones and schedules.
In a sector where structured mentoring opportunities remain limited, particularly in some regions of the world, the INWIC initiative seeks to address a concrete gap and promote long-term change. Strengthening the role of women in cooling means helping to build a more inclusive, skilled and empowered workforce, capable of supporting technological innovation, sector competitiveness and the achievement of environmental and economic objectives on a global scale.
Complete infos: https://www.inwic.org/mentorship-programme/