Trade body for the plumbing industry encouraged by the small but increasing number of women apprentices who are changing the face of plumbing but more still needs to be done
Outdated stereotypes and poor career advice are seen as the main barriers for women considering a career in the plumbing and heating industry, according to a new survey from the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF).
- In a poll-of-polls of 674 people, 39% of respondents believed sexist and outdated stereotypes were the main barrier to women entering the UK plumbing industry, with 21% stating poor career advice.
- The poll, conducted between 23-27 February, also found that 28% of people thought there was no barrier to entering the profession, with 12% citing a lack of respect for women.
Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of SNIPEF, said: “It is unbelievable that in 2023 outdated and sexist stereotypes continue to be made about what women can and cannot do, often reinforced by misguided career advice that the trades are men-only professions.
“Thankfully, SNIPEF is finding a small but growing number of women who are challenging these misconceptions and entering the plumbing industry, finding it an attractive and lucrative career option.
“We need to encourage greater diversity into our industry, helping us address the current skills shortage and meet the demand from 30% of customers who have stated their preference for a women plumber.”
SNIPEF also revealed ahead of International Women’s Day (March 8), Scottish Apprenticeship Week (6-10 March) and World Plumbing Day (11 March) that 2% of its apprentices are now women, an increase of 50% since 2020. Although still small, trends indicate a growing demand from women to train as plumbing professionals.
Typical of the new cohort of young women trainee plumbing and heating professionals is 17-year-old Naomi Watson from Aberdeen, studying at Dundee and Angus College and about to enter the second year of her apprenticeship with SNIPEF member EJ Parker Technical Services.
Naomi said: “I absolutely adore my job, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. As a commercial plumber, I visit new places with new challenges each month. This week I am heading to Inverness to work on renewable technologies.
“I couldn’t ask for a more supportive team. I love every single one of the boys I work with and get on so well with my journeyman. He has taught me so many things to get me started.
“This job has made me incredibly confident. I feel now that there isn’t anything I can’t achieve if I put my mind to it.”
Dale Thomson, Apprentice Training Manager for SNIPEF, said: “The talent and energy apprentices, such as Naomi, bring to their journey towards the status of a qualified plumber is remarkable.
“The young women who sign up to learn about plumbing bring a fresh element of enthusiasm, skill and dedication to the profession, and it is good for the industry that we are seeing more and more of them.”
In the Autumn, SNIPEF will unveil its new Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion action plan, aimed at confronting industry misconceptions, to encourage more girls and women to consider training as a plumber and setting its ambition to have women making up 10% of all apprentices by the end of the decade.
CASE STUDIES:
Gemma Ireland, 20, Edinburgh.
Year 2, NVQ Level 3, Borders College.
Employer: Joanna Martin, Able Girl Plumbing.
“I chose plumbing as a career because I wanted to do a hands-on job. I had a spell of work experience and I found that I really enjoyed it. I am now doing something different every day – there is just so much variety.
“My employer is very supportive and I am engaged on domestic plumbing and gas work from Monday to Wednesday, with the rest of the week studying at college. It is really interesting.
“None of my family has any connection with the profession and, although I am the first female apprentice, I am not the first female plumber in the company. There is no reason a woman can’t do this job just as well, if not better, than any man.”
Ambition: To have my own company.
Naomi Watson, 17, Aberdeen.
Year 1, Dundee and Angus College.
Employer: EJ Parker Technical Services.
“I love how fast-paced my job is. I love plumbing so much and feel that it is a great opening for anyone with a practical mindset. It gives you plenty of opportunities, I travel all the time, I meet so many amazing people and I learn new skills every single day. You just need to take on board what the experienced tradespeople have to say.
“I would highly recommend a trade to any female or male out there. It’s a great way of life, you are constantly busy and the pay is good for someone just out of school.
“This job has made me incredibly confident. I feel there isn’t now anything I couldn’t achieve if I put my mind to it. I feel so much more comfortable in my own skin.”
Ambition: To start my own business.
To move up in the company.
To work offshore.
Nina Hamilton, 24, Elgin.
Year 2, Moray College, Elgin.
Employer: Simpson Plumbers.
“I am the first female apprentice in the company and, although it can seem a bit daunting at first, I would definitely recommend it to other women.Once you get into the swing of it, it’s good fun and you learn a lot of good skills.
“In the past, I never would have thought about getting into a trade but, when I was told about an apprenticeship opportunity coming up, I thought why not go for it?
“I like how every day is different and there is a wide variety of types of work. You learn something new every day and can pick up little tips and tricks from the different journeymen on the jobs, which always comes in handy. My employer is very supportive.”
Ambition: To learn everything I can.
Ellie McPhee, 19, Glasgow.
Year 1, Glasgow Kelvin College Springburn Campus.
Employer: The Findlay Group.
“On the trial with my current employer, I realised that not only was I not becoming distracted, I was actually really looking forward to learning more.
“I now enjoy each day of my training – each day brings something new – and I am very much looking forward to finishing my first year and progressing to Year Two.
“My employers are very supportive. They are always reaching out to me, checking how I am getting on and helping me – especially when it comes to the college side as I prefer the more practical stuff. They make sure I’m properly supported on site and at college.”
Ambition: Undisclosed.
Marion Stewart, 21, Elgin.
Year 3, Moray College, UHI.
Employer: G&A Barnie Group.
“Although there are other women working in the Barnie Group, I am the first female apprentice plumber. I have just finished my third year at college and have my gas, renewables and oil qualifications. Next year will focus on practical work with the company.
“Some jobs take just a few hours, but others can last for weeks and I enjoy being involved in a project from start to finish, and the sense of achievement which comes with that. There is a great deal of variety, with something new every day.
“I got started in this career because I actually asked the company for work experience and they suggested I try an apprenticeship instead. Throughout my training, my employer has been completely supportive and has encouraged me in everything I do.”
Ambition: To become a supervisor or a contracts manager with my current employer.