BUSINESS AND TRAINING 19
Women on Tools campaign
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 the trades by sharing the success stories of female apprentices .
Nosiphiwesihle Jacisa found that her road to becoming a professional plumber was a little bumpy , but ultimately fulfilling . Here is her story in her words .
My journey in plumbing has been a great experience with a lot of potholes on the road , however the road has been good . My inspiration where they are coming from , but I also realised that I wouldn ' t learn anything if I just keep sitting in the van .
It was hard for me to stand up for myself because the people I worked with discouraged me in everything I did . However , I made sure I always reminded myself what I want and why I wanted it - so I kept pushing until they gave me opportunity to work with my hands .
All pictures supplied by BluLever Education
There was a time my supervisor left me alone , thinking that I wouldn ' t be able to handle a geyser installation , so I decided to step up - and I installed it . The client watched me do it , and when my supervisor came back , he saw that it was done . He was shocked ! Now the client requests my services specifically – and pays extra . My supervisor realised that it ’ s not about how tough you are , but how you use your thinking skills and you work smart not hard .
There has been a great change in the industry , because now we are taken seriously as females , and we have changed most people ' s mindset about the females ' working place . IOPSA and most insurance companies empower female plumbers to ensure we have the same rights as our male counterparts .
Future fixer Nosiphiwesihle .
to join the industry came while I was working at my first employerbased learning position .
At first , I chose this industry because I was looking for a new opportunity , and to make money since I had not been working for a period of time .
My big challenge was my small body size . I have tiny hands , and I wasn ’ t selected to do any heavy work . Instead , I was made to sit in the car to do paperwork . It was an adjustment to understand
I would say be determined about what you want , because at some point you might feel like giving up and no one is there to motivate you but yourself . So , love what you do , and be willing to be your own motivator . PA
“ I made sure I always reminded myself what I want and why I wanted , it so I kept pushing until they gave me opportunity to work with my hands .”
PTE
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January 2025 Volume 30 I Number 11 www . plumbingafrica . co . za