Key Takeaways
- Growing Presence: Women are increasingly entering HVAC/R careers, with dedicated support groups and organizations emerging across the industry
- Career Advancement: In just 5 years, technicians can obtain multiple certifications and leadership roles, demonstrating the trade’s growth potential
- Endless Opportunities: Unlike traditional careers that can pigeonhole professionals, trades offer expanding options as you gain experience
- Community Support: Organizations like Women In HVACR and Building Together BC are creating strong networks for women in the trades
The Changing Face of HVAC: Women Leading the Way
When I think back to my years in pre-apprenticeship training until now, I can honestly admit that I can count the amount of females I have come across in the field on one hand. Over the years though, I have noticed a small increase in female presence behind the counter at the part supply houses.
These days, I hop online and find women’s HVAC Facebook groups such as Windy City Women in HVAC and Women In HVACR, the latter of those groups just elected Mary Jo Gentry, Marketing Communications Manager at Ritchie Engineering (Yellow Jacket) to serve as their new President. So, the surge of females in HVAC and Refrigeration is on, and one person responsible for this rise of the female empire is none other than my next inductee to the hvacknowitall.com Wall Of Fame.
Meet Julia Ballantyne: Breaking Barriers in Vancouver
Introducing Julia Ballantyne, Julia is a member of the Instagram Family of elite technicians and rocks the handle @techjules. Scroll through the pictures and images of her job site shenanigans on IG and you get an instant vibe of positivity and love for the trade.
The 28-year-old (soon to be 29 she tells me, it’s okay Julia, you’re still way younger than me) works on the Canadian west coast in the beautiful city of Vancouver, British Columbia. She is a member of UA516 and has been in the trade for five years, employed by Display Fixtures Refrigeration.
Building an Impressive Resume in Record Time
But wait, there’s more… In a short five years, Julia has built up her bio quite nicely. She has obtained her:
- Red seal refrigeration ticket
- Gas B ticket
- RE electrical endorsement
- Completed an array of courses at her local union hall
Beyond technical certifications, Julia serves as:
- Social committee member of her union
- Co-Chair of Building Together BC (Women of the Building Trades)
- Director of BC Trades Women Society
I just have one thing to say, damnnnn, you go girl!
“Being a woman in a career dominated by men can be interesting sometimes. I’ve had a great experience in my career and work with some awesome guys!”
Tools of the Trade
Julia loves her Klein 11-in-1 and Klein adjustable wrench. She also adores her Cooper thermometer when it’s not missing in action. Just like mastering essential troubleshooting techniques, having the right tools makes all the difference in daily field work.
Why the Trades Offer Unlimited Potential
“A career in trades has endless expansion and depth to it. I feel like in other careers, if you have something like a masters degree you are pigeon holed into a small sector of what you can do. The trades are totally opposite of that. The more experience and knowledge you acquire the more options open up to you and more doors you can go through. For the women thinking about trades, just try it! You have nothing to lose and so much to gain.”
Julia’s passion to bring people together and to grow the female presence in the trades is what sets her apart. She is setting an example and creating a culture of clear-cut positivity. Whether you are a man or a woman, Julia’s example of human kindness is one we should all strive to follow. Like the headline states, It’s A Man’s World No More!
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Shop Talk: Learning Through Laughter
It’s only shop talk…
“I have a really funny story from my second year being an apprentice… me and another apprentice were getting a lesson from our journeyman on how to change the oil in a compressor. This one was an old girl, about 25 years. So we isolated the valves and were checking to see if the valves were holding so we could open up the compressor to change the oil. The pressure raised slightly (probably due to a bit of refrigerant in the oil). I asked if it’s normal for valves to leak by. My journeyman said, ‘well, would you expect it to be that tight after 25 years?’ His face blushed so red and the other apprentice and I burst out laughing. He couldn’t stop apologizing and laughing at the same time.”
Stories like these remind us that while we’re mastering complex systems like BMS network architecture or perfecting our heat load calculations, the human connections and shared experiences are what make this trade truly special.
The Future is Bright
Julia’s journey demonstrates that success in HVAC isn’t about fitting into a mold – it’s about bringing your unique perspective and passion to the work. As more women enter the field, they’re not just filling positions; they’re leading organizations, mentoring apprentices, and reshaping what it means to be an HVAC professional.
For those considering a career in the trades or looking to advance their current position, Julia’s advice rings true: just try it. The opportunities for growth, both technical and personal, are limitless in this evolving industry.
