BUSINESS AND TRAINING 17
Women on site
Edited by
Megan O ’ Connor – 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 the trades by sharing the success stories of their female apprentices .
“ My journey started when I studied Civil Engineering at Tshwane North College . After completing my N6 , I applied for an apprenticeship in KZN , but encountered unforeseen circumstances . My heart was broken because I felt like someone had taken my dream out of my hands , but I am glad that I have reached the point that I need to be at . My inspiration to join the industry came from my ever-present interest in understanding how our water system works . I remember trying to figure out how I would fix a leaking toilet , and I eventually just decided to google " how to fix a leaking toilet ."
BluLever Education
“ I faced some hardships and stereotypes when I started my apprenticeship . Engaging with other people and being miles away from home while at camp was hard because I am a shy person . I had people stare at me just because I am a lady in a work suit . I eventually opened-up and started to speak more to people and find out who they are , and the things that they love about the industry . I tackled people ’ s staring by adding a touch of confidence in myself .
Kamogelo Morulane , BluLever Apprentice .
“ When I went for my first employer-based learning my supervisor said , " why are you doing plumbing ? If I was your father , I wouldn ' t allow you to be doing such ." This made me decide to let my hands and knowledge speak for themselves . A week later , he came back and said , “ now I understand why you are doing what you are doing .”
“ The most rewarding part of being in the industry is getting to be in the real world - being given tasks to handle on my own and completing sections on my own . As a female , I contribute to the projects I am in by representing other females in the industry , and explaining to narrow-minded people that we too are capable of being artisans in the plumbing industry - we also have hands , brains and eyes just like our male counterparts .
“ I have noticed that many women are starting to come out of their shells lately , and taking on roles that not everyone would have the guts to do so . For example , a female school-leaver straight from high school would choose to do plumbing , which shows that there is room for changing the narrative . We can see that the newer generation is opening doors for all genders to be part of sectors that were once classified as male industries and advocating for unity . The older generations need to start thinking from a different angle now and accept that we are trying to be part of a society that accepts any gender identity for that matter .
“ My advice to women : Never feel like you need to submit to being classified under one umbrella . Your future is yours to paint and tell your story as it is .” – Kamogelo Morulane , BluLever Apprentice . PA
“ Join BluLever ' s apprentices as they change the narrative about women on-site . Share your own stories of overcoming myths about women in the trades and use the hashtag # WomenOnTools .” – Blulever Education
• Visit BluLever ’ s ‘ Women on Tools ’ website page : https :// www . blulever . com / women-on-tools
• Original ‘ Women on Tools ’ Video : https :// www . youtube . com / watch ? v = Nb7-CDeWNxEIn folder
“ I tackled people ’ s staring by adding a touch of confidence in myself .”
October 2023 Volume 29 I Number 8 www . plumbingafrica . co . za