Visibility has always been a problem for the HVACR industry, it is an issue familiar to women who struggle with self-promotion in the workplace.
There is ample research proving that men are much better at self-promotion and it’s a skill that matters for anyone who wants to succeed.
According to the Chief Executive Women’s 2025 survey there are only 27 female CEOs across the ASX 300, and just 14 per cent of top 100 ASX companies have women CEOs.
It means women working in HVACR and building services are struggling with two problems – self-promotion issues in an industry desperately in need of greater visibility.
It is just one of the many reasons why initiatives such as the Women in HVACR showcase are so important.
Greater diversity isn’t just necessary, it is essential. The current skills shortage has a stranglehold on the HVACR industry.
It is crazy because HVACR should be a popular career choice, it is an industry with plenty to brag about. It offers job security, work-life balance, and good pay.
The visibility issue is obvious when working with school students, according to Empowered Women in Trades general manager, Melinda Davis.
“For students their understanding of trades is limited to more visible pathways such as plumbing, carpentry or electrical,” Davis said.
It is an important age because evidence shows those are the years when inequalities become entrenched.
It is time to showcase successful women with careers in HVACR. They need to be seen and thanks to the generous support of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air Conditioners Australia (MHIAA), the Women in HVACR showcase had its official 2026 launch today.
Nominations are open to courageous women willing to engage in a little self-promotion or nominate a colleague worthy of recognition.
This is your chance to inspire others and be part of CCN’s annual Top 20 Women in HVACR. CCN will announce the Top 20 in October with participants profiled in the October/November edition of the magazine.
Nominate here https://www.climatecontrolnews.com.au/whvacr