Attitude of a Female Plumber
When people think of plumbers, the picture that comes to mind is probably a man. However, women are slowly changing this perception, and many of them have gone on to become plumbers themselves. Here are just a few of the inspiring female plumbers who have helped pave the way for those looking to pursue a career in the trade.
Lillian Davidson was one of the first women to pass the Master Plumber’s exam, and her success made her famous almost instantly. Her bombshell looks and can-do attitude saw her featured in a pin-up poster for the US Army Base in Korea, and she began receiving letters from penpals asking her for plumbing advice. Her success is a testament to the fact that, despite the many obstacles, women can succeed in any trade they choose.
While the number of women plumbers is still small, the demand is high, and this has encouraged more women to enter the industry. Some are choosing to work for themselves, while others are choosing to be part of a larger plumbing company. Whatever path they take, they are all making a difference. In fact, according to research from Watersafe, 37% of women say they would prefer a woman plumber because they feel they will be safer around their home, get a fairer deal and receive advice that they can trust.
The Important Attitude of a Female Plumber
The industry needs more female plumbers, and this is something that the Women’s Plumbing Partnership (WiPP) is working to address. The organisation aims to encourage more women into the trade by providing mentoring, support and networking opportunities, and it also works with schools to promote the role as a viable option for young females. It is also helping to change the perception of the job, with a campaign called “Plumbers like me,” which features photos of female plumbers doing their jobs.
Nevertheless, the industry has a long way to go to attract and retain female workers. As well as addressing the perception of plumbing as a male-dominated occupation, it needs to make sure female workers are comfortable in their roles. This means ensuring PPE is sized correctly and that all workplaces have sanitary bins. It also means ensuring that female plumbers are offered all the same opportunities as their male counterparts.
Many women are finding that the role is a good fit for them, but they need to know that it’s an option. It’s essential that the industry is shouting about it, so that more women can see that plumbing is a valid option for them. If they don’t have the opportunity to see it, they won’t be able to decide whether or not it’s something they want to do. And if they don’t choose to do it, they will never know how much they could have achieved. This is why it’s so important that women plumbers continue to be positive ambassadors for the profession.
