NEWS
Smithson to inspire a new generation into refrigeration trade
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icola Smithson, business development manager at Dean & Wood, a Beijer
Ref company, has been selected to participate in the STEMazing Inspiration Academy. This inclusion and diversity programme empowers women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) to shine as role models to encourage more young people (particularly girls) to join these industries.
The four-month STEMazing programme provides training to enhance participants’ skills at delivering engaging content, culminating in presentations to children within schools to inspire the next generation to enter STEM careers.
Ms Smithson, one of 40 successful applicants from hundreds of entrants, is delighted to have been accepted on to the programme. “It’s a great chance to spark younger people’s interest in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry, and to show what an interesting, challenging and rewarding career it offers,” she said. “I feel there’s a real lack of education and awareness about the world of temperature control; in fact, it’s all around us and critical to providing health and wellbeing to all our lives. “It’s such a diverse industry, which impacts us all every day in ways such as; keeping milk fresh by cooling it from the minute it leaves the cow until it’s poured into a glass for consumption; keeping electronic data safely stored for companies such as Google, Apple and Microsoft through temperature-controlled data centres; and temperature control for healthcare by cooling vaccines, blood and organs in hospitals and laboratories around the globe.”
Ms Smithson continued: “Because refrigeration and air conditioning, indirectly and directly, plays such a huge part in the world around us, the industry is an ideal platform to promote STEMazing and its values. Undoubtedly it has historically been a male-dominated arena which has bred some bias, conscious or unconscious, though I’m fortunate to work in an organisation that promotes equality and diversity. I have had, and still have, some fantastic male mentors who have consistently encouraged me in everything I do. Equally, I currently work alongside some amazing female leaders and mentors. “Beijer Ref is constantly
challenging and adapting work processes and procedures by sharing creative thinking from all parts of the business,’ Ms Smithson continued. ‘A recent example of this is the introduction of the Beijer Ref leadership programme in the UK, an in-house learning platform to help develop our future leaders. It’s a three-year training programme where trainees either from within the company or fresh out of university or college, are taught every aspect of our business with a hands-on approach. The training is project-driven from concept to fruition, with trainees working alongside seasoned experts in their particular field. Our aim is to develop the next generation of diverse leaders, driving the business forward and securing its future and the team within it. “STEMazing gives me an opportunity to not only promote our exciting industry into schools to inspire the next generation into STEM, but it also provides me with new skills and tools to bring back into our organisation to ensure its successful, inclusive and diverse future.”
TCUK team limbers up for 50,000 mile challenge
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he intrepid team at Toshiba Carrier UK (TCUK) and its UK sister companies have set a target of running and walking a combined total of 50,000 miles during April, more than twice around the world, as part of a team building and fitness challenge for charity.
Carrier is contributing £750.00 to the chosen charity, St Luke’s Hospice in Cheshire, to kick-start the initiative, with additional funds being raised by colleagues. St Luke’s provides palliative care and supports patients’ families in ways that go beyond the scope and funding of the NHS. Last year it helped more than 1,000 people, ranging from providing end-of- life care, to supporting carers and helping people return to work after illness.
“We are used to stretching targets at TCUK, but this one may require a little more stretching than usual – depending on your fitness level!” said David Dunn, managing director, TCUK. “St Luke’s does wonderful work. The aim is to help them refurbish the reception facility, so people can spend time with their families during visits when lock-down is lifted.
“One of the few activities most
of us have been able to enjoy over the past year has been getting outside for a walk or a run. Whether it is just ten minutes during the lunch break, or a few hours on the weekend, a daily dose of movement has huge benefits for our general wellbeing. It will be good to join together as a team to aim for the goal and will be a win- win for all concerned.” Achieving the 50,000 mile target will require everyone in the business to run or walk an average of 3.5 miles each day during the month, assuming 100% take-up. If participation is less, the average mileage target will rise accordingly. Those taking part will use the Strava fitness app to keep a tally of the combined distance run and walked. “My own plan is to go out early
morning to help energise for the day, and also go for a run in the evening to wind down from the working day. The more of us take part, the fewer miles each of us will need to contribute. We will be truly working together to support each other as a team,” said David Dunn.
If you would like to support
the initiative, please visit the Just Giving page
https://lnkd.in/ dGxFQjj
HRS anounces 34th annual golf tournament
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www.acr-news.com
he Hampshire Refrigeration Society is going ahead with its 34th Annual Golf Tournament on Thursday 15 July 2021 (subject to any future change in the COVID situation). The event will be held at the Old Thorns Hotel, Golf and Country Club Resort, Hampshire. Said to be the most popular golf event in the RACHP calendar, the day traditionally starts with a nine hole Texas Scramble before brunch followed by the main event, an 18-hole Stableford Tournament. The evening completes the day with a four course dinner and prize presentation.
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