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BUSINESS AND TRAINING
SA Women Plumbing Apprentices share their thoughts
Edited by
David Smith
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 Danisa Nkuna from House of Plumbing .
experience , you learn and realise it is not that bad . Like having to fix a simple thing like an angle valve more than two times and then realising I have to chop the wall to eliminate the root of the problem . I always put my mind to everything before I do it physically , that way it is easier to deal with any difficult part .
Supplied by House of Plumbing
Danisa Nkuna , apprentice plumber .
1 . What is the best part of being an apprentice plumber ? I get to see my work plan , try it , test it , and then there ’ s that moment when I see my tap or drain watertight without leakage and it boosts my confidence in doing this kind of work , even if it is not right you get a chance to redo the whole thing all over again until you get it right . Being given an opportunity , a platform to learn , for me it is more like training , to get my mind exposed to as many scenarios as possible in such a way that nothing will be new when I go out there .
2 . What is the worst part of being an apprentice plumber ? Having to prove myself that I am able to work as hard as guys on site , getting them to trust me and accept me as part of the team . I have to work extra hard to belong with my team and I am sure by now they have confidence in me . My presence and effort matter to the team I work with .
3 . How are you managing the worst part ? It ’ s all about waking up every day and being present – trying to do better than yesterday . Trying it over and over again through
4 . What do you believe plumbing is all about ? Plumbing is about integrity , pride , reliability , consistency and trust . It ’ s about knowing what needs to be done and doing it right even when no one is watching , as well as knowing what you want , the requirements and what not to settle for . I always say that I will only use SABS approved materials just to protect my name and my brand as they will be reliable , making my work reliable as well . It ’ s also about being available to play my part whenever needed and putting more effort in each and every time .
5 . What will you contribute to plumbing when you qualify ? To show the value of being a qualified plumber , I will make sure the difference between a qualified plumber with passion for plumbing and ‘ just a plumber ’ shows through my own work . I will not work on quantity but quality , making sure my work says ‘ Danisa ’ on it .
6 . Who is your employer ? House of Plumbing .
7 . Are you a team player ? Yes , I believe in teamwork where all team members share equal responsibility and shifting of roles – that way each team member understands their role and what it can contribute to the success of our team . PA
“ I will make sure the difference between a qualified plumber with passion for plumbing and ‘ just a plumber ’ shows through my own work .”
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline June 2023 Volume 29 I Number 4