BUSINESS AND TRAINING 13
Women on Site
Edited by Tanya Olckers
Submitted by BluLever Education
Plumbing Africa thanks BluLever Education for providing coverage of their ongoing Women on Tools Campaign , which aims to change the narrative about women in trades by sharing the success stories of their female apprentices . This month , Khulekani Masilela talks about her experiences .
My journey into plumbing was mostly inspired by my curiosity to gain more knowledge and learn more about the plumbing industry . As I continued to learn more , I was inspired to be part of the women that change the narrative about the industry – that only men are cable of getting the job done , and that women aren ' t strong enough to be part of the industry .
When I began my apprenticeship , there seemed to be an attitude that I was not strong enough to be part of the trade industry because of my weight . The belief was that I wouldn ' t even survive a month because of the hard labour and the emotional blackmailing I could potentially get from my colleagues . At first , the experience made me question whether I want to continue or not . However , I remembered my " why " and that was more than enough to keep me going because I have an appointment with the future .
Images supplied by BluLever Education
During my first EBL at a Sandton site , I had to prove to my supervisor that I can do hard labour . I had to dig a trench that was more than 2 metres deep using a pick , and not only that , but we also had to work overtime for an entire month . I had to remember my " why ” again and not only did I have to prove to my supervisor I could do it , but I had to prove to myself that I can actually do this . The outcome was positive , and my supervisor was impressed because he thought that we wouldn ' t last a week . Somehow my peers and I lasted right up to the end .
The most rewarding aspect of working in this industry was getting a chance to challenge myself physically , emotionally , mentally and
Discipline , consistency and willingness will make it possible for you to achieve your goals . professionally . Working with different people can be difficult if you are a female professional in a male-dominated industry . I can say my positive contribution to my workplace is being part of the company as a female apprentice and teaching them about what I have learnt at campus regarding soft skills . So far , they have adapted to the culture of soft skills and I can say our communication within our workplace has improved .
I haven ' t noticed any shift in attitude or practice towards women in the industry . We still need to prove to the world , or rather the men in the industry , that we can do more than we are expected to do as women . As a country , and globally , we still have a long way to go for women to be fully accepted and treated with the same respect as men in this industry .
What we can address is that it is time for people to accept that the world is evolving and changing , and that change is a good thing . It shows that people are more open-minded . And that we do not only preach diversity and inclusion ; we practice what we preach .
My advice to women is to be open-minded and willing to learn more from others , and yourself as an individual . Keep in mind that you have an appointment with the future . Discipline , consistency and willingness will make it possible for you to achieve your goals . Also don ' t forget to pray about everything you do . PA
February 2024 Volume 29 I Number 12 www . plumbingafrica . co . za