SA Women Plumbing Apprentices share their thoughts
Edited by David Smith
BUSINESS AND TRAINING
Due to the success of our previous Plumbing Apprentices series last year , this year we have been running a new series which continues to share the amazing experiences of women who have entered the plumbing industry . This month we feature Lily Maimela from House of Plumbing .
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1 . What is the best part of being an apprentice plumber ? The best part about this apprenticeship is that I got to explore my physical capabilities and expand my critical thinking when it comes to problem solving .
2 . What is the worst part of being an apprentice plumber ? Maneuvering in a male dominated industry such as this one is never easy as they often underestimate your capabilities and having to always prove that you are as good if not better than the males .
3 . How are you managing the worst part ? I start my day with the motivation to not get moved by any side comments or be underestimated by people ; I make sure I do my tasks effectively and efficiently .
4 . What do you believe plumbing is all about ? Plumbing is all about reticulation of water , installation and maintenance of pipe work .
5 . What will you contribute to plumbing when you qualify ? To create opportunities for women as we know that the industry is male dominated and this will also help decrease the rate of youth unemployment .
6 . Who is your employer ? House of Plumbing , a division of Norcros SA .
Supplied by House of Plumbing
Lily Maimela , apprentice plumber .
7 . Are you a team player ? Being able to work with 19 other plumbing apprentices from House of Plumbing as well as others on the construction site proves that I ' m a team player .
“ I start my day with the motivation to not get moved by any side comments or be underestimated by people .”
April 2023 Volume 29 I Number 2 www . plumbingafrica . co . za