Inspire Inclusion in plumbing this International Women’s Day

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is Inspire Inclusion, so we’re taking a closer look at efforts to inspire more women to take up a career in plumbing.

Despite plumbing being a great career choice that combines job satisfaction, a decent wage and skills that are always in demand, the number of women in the trade remains very low.

With a skills shortage across the UK leading to a higher demand for competent plumbers, there’s never been a better time to be a female in the industry.

Having risen to the top of a typically male dominated industry herself, Julie Spinks, director of WaterSafe comments:

“International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to focus on female plumbers and encourage young women to apply for plumbing apprenticeships.

“There’s nothing a male plumber can do that a female can’t, and our research shows that many women and elderly customers in particular welcome the chance to employ a female plumber in their home.”

However, even with consumer backing, women remain severely under-represented in the plumbing industry despite it offering a stable, fruitful career path.

To help address the gender imbalance, WaterSafe supports HIP Magazine’s Female Skills Competition. Speaking about the competition, HIP Magazine Editor Celia Matthews, says:

“In a trade traditionally dominated by men, promoting diversity and inclusion is essential. Our Female Skills competition directly addresses gender disparity.

“We're proud to provide a stage for females to show their skills and challenge stereotypes.

”The HIP Learner of the Year and HIP Females Skills competitions are a driving force for change across the industry.

“By continuing to support and celebrate young tradespeople, we're creating a profession that the next generation can be truly proud of.”

Welsh plumbing student Tiffany Baker was the first ever winner of the Female Skills Competition in 2023. Speaking to organisers about her win at the time, she said:

“I entered in the hope that the competition would gain me an apprenticeship. It was so nice to meet other female plumbers as I am the only female on my plumbing course. I really appreciate everyone who made the event possible.”

To find out more about becoming a plumber and the qualifications you need to join WaterSafe visit: watersafe.org.uk/becomeaplumber