Heather Holt, Chair, WiBSE
Moving the needle: WiBSE Ireland Chair Heather Holt on the actions needed to drive greater diversity in Irish engineering
With over a decade of experience navigating the dynamic world of building services engineering, HEATHER HOLT, Engineering Manager at Tech Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, is a strong advocate for change, visibility and inclusion in the sector. She balances a complex, multi-faceted technical role with her position as the new Chairperson of Women in Building Services Engineering (WiBSE) Ireland. She speaks with ROBBIE COUSINS about her professional journey and discusses the concrete actions needed to inspire the next generation of engineering talent.
What is your current job, and what does your work involve?
“I work as an Engineering Manager with Tech Refrigeration & Air Conditioning. What I enjoy most about the role is the variety it offers — from technical design and contract negotiation through to engineering management and client engagement. My role has taken me all over the country and has given me the opportunity to work alongside a wide range of industry professionals, including design consultants, mechanical contractors and building end users. Every project brings different challenges and opportunities to learn.
“I’m also very appreciative to work for a company that fully supports my involvement in industry institutions such as CIBSE Ireland and WiBSE, which have played a huge role in my professional development.”
How did you first get involved with WiBSE?
“When I first started with Tech, my director, Paul Byrne, contacted Mitsubishi Electric to jointly host the first Women in HVACR event in Ireland. Through his championing of women in the industry, I made my first WiBSE connections. Shortly afterwards, I received an invitation to my first WiBSE event through our own CIBSE champion, Pat Lehane, and my good friend, Orlaith Gillen. I attended this event in 2022, and from there, the rest is history.
“Since then, I’ve been involved in a range of networking and industry events that have helped grow the visibility of women within building services engineering. One of the most rewarding aspects has been helping to create spaces where women can connect, share experiences and support each other professionally.”
How would you define WIBSE’s core mission within the Irish BSE sector?
“As WiBSE Chair, I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to an industry that has been so good to me over the past 10 years.
“At its core, WiBSE exists to support and connect women within building services engineering at every stage of their careers. It is about creating a visible and supportive network that encourages diversity, promotes inclusion and helps women feel represented within the industry. Equally important is ensuring that the next generation can see engineering as an exciting and achievable career path. By promoting visibility, mentorship, and professional development, WiBSE plays an important role in shaping a more inclusive future for the sector.”
What WiBSE events are in the pipeline for the coming year?
“We are looking forward to another busy year of events and initiatives focused on networking, professional development and industry engagement. The committee is particularly focused on continuing to grow the WiBSE network and creating opportunities for members to connect through technical and social events. We also want to strengthen collaboration with industry partners, educational institutions and other professional organisations to help promote engineering careers to young people.
“A key priority for us is maintaining momentum around visibility and representation within the industry, while continuing to foster an environment where people feel supported, encouraged and empowered to progress in their careers. “Some events we have in the calendar so far for 2026:
- Annual Golf Outing – 28 August, Luttrellstown Castle, Dublin.
- WiBSE La Peniche Boat Trip – 11 September
- CIBSE Ireland Annual Lunch – 11 December, Mansion House, Dublin.”
Why should women working in the building services industry in Ireland join WIBSE?
“Joining WiBSE means becoming part of a supportive network that champions women in building services engineering. It offers opportunities for mentoring, networking,visibility and career support, while helping you connect with industry leaders and peers who genuinely want to see more women thrive and lead within the profession. Whether you are just starting out in your career or are already established in the industry, WiBSE provides a welcoming space to learn, grow, and build meaningful professional connections.
“Anyone interested, get in touch, we would love to hear from you.”
What are the most pressing challenges facing women in the engineering profession today?
“While the industry has made significant progress in recent years, there are still challenges around representation, visibility, and confidence, particularly in traditionally male-dominated environments.
“For many women entering engineering, it can still be difficult to see clear role models or pathways into leadership positions. Retention is also an important conversation — ensuring that women feel supported, valued and encouraged to progress throughout their careers. “I think continued focus on mentorship, inclusion, flexible career development and visible representation is essential to ensuring the industry continues moving in the right direction.”
Diversity is a major talking point in the industry, but what concrete actions have you seen in the sector and would you like to see happening to move the needle and attract more young women into engineering?
“I believe the construction industry as a whole has made huge advances in moving to a more diverse workforce in recent years. The variety of roles available across the sector means there is genuinely something for everyone. The increase in women-focused industry events has been a strong indicator of the industry’s desire to attract and support more women. Continued focus and momentum are needed through initiatives such as school outreach programmes, career days, mentoring, internships and work experience opportunities.
“I also firmly support the core philosophy – ‘You can’t be what you can’t see’. This is something I came across while completing the STEMAZING school outreach programme. Visibility matters. By supporting the women already within the industry and giving them opportunities to be visible as leaders and role models, we can help inspire and encourage the next generation to pursue careers in engineering.”
What advice would you offer to any young person, regardless of gender, who is just beginning their career in the BSE sector?
“Make the most of every opportunity that comes your way and never underestimate the value of the network around you. Some of the best learning opportunities come from the experienced people you work alongside every day. Be willing to ask questions, stay curious and get involved wherever you can. This is an industry where hard work, attitude and consistency are recognised, and over time you will see the results of the effort you put in.”
If you are interested in joining WiBSE Ireland, email cibseirelandsec@gmail.com to learn more and get involved