Rachel Hilling is a prominent figure in the Canadian heating and cooling industry, sharing information with readers online about HVAC opportunities, energy efficiency, rebate programs and more.
Her people-focused approach to leadership as well as her years of experience in the heating and cooling industry has culminated into a larger mission statement: to make improvements on the EDI front, effectively creating more opportunities for women, visible minorities and disadvantaged people who are interested in pursuing the trades.
To work towards her mission, Rachel Hilling has taken up new volunteer opportunities even with a busy schedule and workload as a leader in the HVAC space.
“I do volunteer work with Redwood, which is a safe haven for women and children fleeing abuse,” says Hilling.
Hilling says the programming is groundbreaking because it works with a group of women who were victims of domestic violence and abuse and aims to put them through the gas fitter program at HiMark College.
“I’ve gone out to speak with those ladies and meet with them, and I am helping mentor them once they graduate to find them work in the field as gas fitters.”
By helping people in need, Rachel Hilling feels that she is making a positive difference in the lives of others. Thinking back to when she first started in the heating and cooling industry, she remembers those who helped her in the past with fondness and gratitude.
“I enjoy focusing on people from different backgrounds and women as well as groups I don’t see visually represented in my industry right now.”
Rachel Hilling is not just one to welcome positive social change, but one to usher it in through repeated positive action. Contributing to the heating and cooling industry and mentoring others is what gives her the drive and the momentum to continue innovating.
Hilling’s experience serving as a National Account Manager for a large Canadian HVAC company has proven to be worthwhile. Aside from providing technical support and sales training to agent contractors who have a national presence, she was able to hone both her skillset and her vision for the future.
“I just recently signed up to be on a committee for equity, diversity and inclusion to try to make the HVAC industry a little bit easier for people to navigate through, who come from different backgrounds.”
Hilling says she wants people to know that no matter their background, it’s possible for them to get into the trades. This especially holds true for the heating and cooling industry which is in need of new skilled workers.
“It’s possible to get into it without knowing anybody and without having any technical background,” says Hilling. “I wasn’t even a tomboy!”
Hilling goes on to say that most people don’t realize they could make more in heating and cooling than they might be able to after attending a traditional university. The truth is that the trades are in demand in Canada and all over the world.
“The average age of an HVAC technician or refrigeration mechanic is about 50 years old,” says Hilling.
This means that there will be plenty of work opportunities on the horizon for those who are willing to put in the effort to learn this highly sought after trade.
