WOMEN IN PLUMBING

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Edited by David Smith . Sourced by SA Women in Plumbing ( SAWIP )

Continuing our series on Women in Plumbing , at the request of SAWIP , we are chatting to women apprentices . As Plumbing Africa has consistently maintained we do not wait for Women ’ s Month but recognise women monthly / all the time .

Plumbing is an exciting trade I have embarked on as a woman being in a male dominated work area has shown me that anything is really possible . I have been shy and at first I doubted myself a lot but plumbing has taught me one thing that we as women are capable of doing things that are " meant " to be done by men and when we work together we can achieve bigger things .

1 . What is the best part of being an apprentice plumber ? Being part of a plumbing world , being exposed to a lot of different work techniques and learning to be able to think fast , they say a plumber always has a plan .

2 . What is the worst part of being an apprentice plumber ? Being looked down at only because I am a woman , when others think I am incapable of handling my work and not having an opinion because nobody takes you seriously .

3 . How are you managing the worst part ? Well handling the worst is easy . I just learn from the ones who have been there , ask for help when needed and stay humble all the time .

4 . What do you believe plumbing is all about ? Plumbing is about healthy living and giving a better life to the people . Providing them with clean water and taking the dirt out of their houses .

5 . What will you contribute to plumbing when you qualify ? Hopefully I can improve the living conditions of the people around me and make life better for them with access to clean water .

6 . Who is your employer ? IOPSA

7 . Are you a team player ? Yes , I am a team worker . This means that you are able to respect your colleagues , their points of view , getting help from them , learning from them , allowing everyone to be comfortable when working and planning before work . PA

June 2022 Volume 28 I Number 4 www . plumbingafrica . co . za