ASHRAE Ireland Mentorship Programme
ALEX FRANT, ASHRAE Ireland, writes about how the ASHRAE Ireland Mentoring Programme helps the next generation of engineers make their way in the Irish building services engineering sector.
In my experience of the first cycle of the ASHRAE mentoring programme, where I partook as a mentee, I quickly realised technical skills get you the job, but it’s leadership and soft skills that make you successful. The mentoring programme helped me unlock opportunities that I didn’t even know existed.
ASHRAE Ireland Mentorship Programme
ASHRAE Ireland launched its second formal Mentorship Programme for the 2025/2026 calendar year. The programme is designed to support the growth and development of early-career engineers across Ireland and, as such, paired 10 highly motivated mentees with 10 excellent mentors. Many of the mentors who volunteered to work on the mentorship programme are directors, CEOs, and senior-level engineers with decades of experience in the built environment and HVAC sectors.
The mentoring programme incorporates one-on-one advice, but in essence, is built around three central pillars
- Technical Skills Development (through technical workshops)
- Soft Skills & Leadership Training (through coaching webinars with distinguished career coaches)
- Industry Networking (through professional exposure to industry leaders)
ASHRAE Ireland mentors
ASHRAE has paired each mentee with an experienced mentor in a personalised match. This partnership gives them direct access to career guidance, project insights, and technical expertise. Our mentors bring not only advanced engineering experience but also strategise with the mentees and help them develop a clear career path. The skills brought to the table by the mentors are shaped by years in leadership roles and provide a rare and valuable opportunity for younger engineers to learn from those at the very top of the engineering field.
Mentorship workshops
Furthermore, the mentoring programme includes a structured calendar of workshops and events. On the soft skill front, ASHRAE Ireland partnered with Tricia Evans, a renowned leadership and communication coach.
Tricia delivered two exclusive workshops for the cohort. The first session, ‘Future Proof Your Career in the Age of AI’, focused on personal branding, adaptability, and preparing for an AI-integrated future. This was followed by ‘Management, Leadership & You’, which offered practical strategies for stepping into leadership roles early in one’s career.
The main aim for these sessions is to help the mentee develop soft skills, from management to communication and self-awareness. ASHRAE does not view these as simple seminars but rather essential tools which the mentees can use to develop their careers. The response from mentees has been overwhelmingly positive, with many already reporting improved confidence, expanded professional networks, and more strategic approaches to their careers.
Another core strength of the programme lies in networking and industry engagement. The initiative fosters connections across generations and organisations. This helps participants expand their understanding of the industry landscape and build relationships that can open doors long into the future.
As one mentor put it, “This programme is an opportunity to give back to the industry by supporting emerging talent, but it’s also a chance to listen, reflect, and stay connected to the energy and ambition of the next generation.”
The ASHRAE Ireland Mentorship Programme reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to developing engineers who are not only technically competent but also professionally agile, well-connected, and ready to lead. It’s about shaping the future of engineering.”
To learn more about the ASHRAE Ireland Mentorship Programme, visit