– Towards streamlined and accessible refrigeration apprenticeships and training
Institute of Refrigeration Ireland.
Margaret Rafter, Consultant Sales Engineer, Mitsubishi Electric Europe, is the newly elected President of the Institute of Refrigeration Ireland (IRI). She speaks with Building Services Engineering about the importance of STEM education, refrigeration as a career opportunity, and the central role that refrigeration manufacturers and engineers have to play in achieving sector sustainability and carbon reduction objectives.
Margaret Rafter, Consultant Sales Engineer at Mitsubishi Electric Europe BV Ireland Branch, has been elected President of the Institute of Refrigeration Ireland (IRI). Margaret is the first female in the role but has been a prominent and active IRI Council member for many years. She previously sat on the events, membership and service engineers committees and is a regular speaker at industry-related events, including the IRI annual conference.
However, Margaret is perhaps most passionate about education, promoting refrigeration as a career opportunity, apprenticeships, and continuous professional development for those already in the sector.
STEMAZING
Hence, her involvement in STEMAZING, an initiative devised by Alex Knight, a chartered engineer who had worked in the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) industries for over 15 years. Through being on the IRI Council, Margaret is also a member of the Institute of Refrigeration (IOR) in the UK. Through that, she was nominated to take part in the first STEMAZING Academy course rolled out in Ireland in 2023.
The programme comprised six live STEM sessions delivered to a group of nine- and 10-year-old boys and girls at Scoil Maelruain Senior National School in Dublin 24. Each week, the children took part in a 40/45 minute activity using basic resources for the STEM activities and experiments involved. These included simple things like paper, Sellotape, a balloon, pipette, vegetable oil, food colouring and straws.
Margaret delivered all sessions to showcase a strong female role model, with Mitsubishi Electric providing some additional resources, not to mention the goody bags for the children on the final day. Under her guidance and direction, the children created their own STEM masterpieces each week and received certificates on completion.
Just before Christmas 2023, another STEMAZING initiative, again supported by Margaret and Mitsubishi Electric, was held on HMS Caroline in Belfast. This was on open day on board the ship, where children were exposed to inspiring engineering-led activities.
STEM for children
Margaret Rafter comments: “It is critical that we introduce children to the STEM subjects at an early age”, says Margaret, “and in a way that the sessions are live, educational, interactive, interesting and simple for the particular age group. They must also be fun.”
She adds: “However, having attracted them to the sciences, and in our case refrigeration, it is essential that we have the structures in place to deliver apprenticeship programmes that are fit for purpose and easily accessible. There are currently a number of refrigeration training course providers throughout the country, but I would like to see a more coordinated and streamlined approach to maximise the impact. I’m confident that, working together, we can achieve that.”
IRI Programme
Looking at the bigger picture, Margaret Rafter aims to build on the work of previous IRI presidents who have established strong links with other sector bodies.
“On the broader front, I want to build on the achievements of my predecessors and forge even stronger relationships with other industry associations, government bodies and those responsible for devising and implementing refrigeration-related standards.
“Refrigeration has a major role to play with regard to sustainability, carbon reduction and wellbeing, and we should be at the forefront in driving initiatives to deliver these goals.”
IRI in Europe
IRI is also a player on the international stage by virtue of its membership of the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration European Association (AREA), on which Seamus Kerr is the IRI delegate. This gives IRI members access to invaluable information and documentation, such as the revised Guide to the F-Gas Regulations for refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat-pump contractors.
This guide presents the main changes in comparison with the previous regulations, and it explains the new rules, their impact and their practical application. It also contains a table summarising the certification requirements and a specific chapter on the Implementing Act 2024/2215.
In conclusion
“In conclusion,” Margaret Rafter says, “I want to acknowledge the commitment of all IRI Council members for the tremendous work they do on a voluntary basis. However, we are always in need of assistance for various tasks. So, no matter what your role or level in the business, please reach out to us and make a contribution. Apart from supporting the industry as a whole, you will also benefit from personal development and career opportunities.”
IRI National Conference 2025
Pathway to 2030 for Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning & Heat Pump Systems
Thursday, 10 April 2025, Green Isle Hotel, Newlands Cross, Dublin.
About the Institute of Refrigeration Ireland
The Institute of Refrigeration Ireland (IRI) is a professional membership body that represents refrigeration and air-conditioning professionals in Ireland. It is a not-for-profit organisation managed by a voluntary council elected by members at the annual general meeting.
Key objectives are as follows:
- To promote the general advancement of refrigeration and air conditioning applications
- To pursue excellence in the provision of refrigeration products and services for the community
- To provide members with continuing learning opportunities and a means of exchanging ideas
- To provide members with networking opportunities
- To establish and maintain standards of education, training and conduct
- To ensure that the titles for members of the Institute of Refrigeration of Ireland are given to and used only by suitably qualified candidates
- To speak as the authoritative voice of the refrigeration and air conditioning profession in Ireland.
The IRI pursues these aims by working in partnership with other key stakeholders in the industry, including government departments, state agencies and other professional bodies.
Benefits of IRI membership
- Membership certificate under the seal of the Institute and annual membership card
- Use of the appropriate designation and designatory letters to denote experience and qualifications
- Affiliate status of IOR UK with access to its vast library of technical and practical material
- Regular email updates on industry news and events
- Free access to IRI seminars, events, trade shows and awards
- Technical bulletins and other publications issued regularly
- Access members-only resources on the IRI website (document libraries, news archive, member profile, etc)
- Access to the IRI’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) framework and all supporting documentation.
For more information, visit www.iri.ie
