10 BUSINESS AND TRAINING
Today, I am proud to learn this trade, break down stereotypes, and show that women can succeed in any industry."
The early days of her apprenticeship came with both physical and social challenges. " My first challenge was the physical demand of the work and getting used to heavy tools. I also faced stereotypes, with people assuming I was just an assistant or that I wasn ' t strong enough for the hard tasks because I am a woman."
measurements saved us from making a big mistake. My team realised that having a woman on the crew brings fresh thinking, better communication and higher standards to the job."
Looking back on her journey, she believes attitudes are beginning to change. " At first, the male workers were shocked to see a female apprentice handling heavy tools, but now seeing women on site is becoming much more normal."
Those experiences often left her feeling like she had something to prove. " These moments made me feel frustrated and out of place. I often felt the pressure to work twice as hard just to prove I belonged."
Instead of allowing those moments to discourage her, she focused on developing her skills. " I stayed focused on my training, mastered the correct techniques, and let my skills speak for themselves. Earning the respect of my team helped me build true confidence."
One particular project became a defining moment in her apprenticeship. " We had a task to dig a trench and lay PVC stormwater drainage pipes. The supervisor gave the heavy lifting to the guys and asked me to just hand them the tools."
Although disappointed, she chose to respond with professionalism rather than frustration. " I felt frustrated because I came here to become a qualified artisan, not an assistant. Instead of getting angry, I politely asked to join the team in the trench," says Kgole.
She has also witnessed companies creating more opportunities for women to gain practical experience: " My company now actively brings in female students from TVET colleges and training institutions to gain practical work experience on site. Seeing more women working together has built our confidence and encouraged the male crews to respect us."
Her advice to young women considering a career in plumbing is both practical and encouraging: " Do not let fear hold you back from a great career. If you love working with your hands and want financial independence, go for it."
She also hopes young women remember what truly makes a great artisan. " These trades do not require brute strength. They require technique, smart problem solving, and the right tools. When you walk onto a job site, keep your head high and let your workmanship speak for itself. Don ' t be afraid to ask questions; stand your ground, and claim your space."
Once given the opportunity, she demonstrated exactly why she deserved to be there. " I focused on using the correct bedding and checked the levels carefully with a spirit level to make sure the drainage system was perfectly aligned."
The outcome spoke for itself. " In the end, my supervisor apologised for doubting me, the guys on site showed me real respect, and I proved that a woman can handle any plumbing job."
Through her perseverance, professionalism and commitment to excellence, Kgole continues to challenge outdated perceptions and demonstrate that success in plumbing is earned through skill, confidence and a willingness to keep learning. Her journey is helping pave the way for more women to see the trades as a place where they truly belong. PA
For Kgole, some of the greatest rewards have come from seeing her hard work translate into real progress. " The most rewarding part of this trade is passing all my theory and practical tests and seeing that my hard work really pays off. It feels amazing to solve a difficult plumbing problem on my own."
She also believes women bring valuable strengths to the workplace. " As a woman on site, I have noticed that my presence changes the workplace culture for the better. I bring great attention to detail, and my colleagues have learned to stop seeing plumbing as just a man ' s job."
She recalls one project where careful planning made all the difference. " When we were working on a drainage layout, my careful
Phuti Bertha Kgole.
www. plumbingafrica. co. za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline October 2026 Volume 32 I Number 08