BUSINESS AND TRAINING 13
Many of them are happy to see a woman at the door. They feel comfortable. That’ s when I realised that just by being there, I was already making a difference.
I also love that I’ ve had the chance to mentor and inspire other young women who are considering trades. That feels like a full-circle moment.
" There ' s a growing recognition of the value and contributions that women bring to the trades."
I ' ve noticed a big and important shift in attitudes towards women in the industry since I started my apprenticeship. There ' s a growing recognition of the value and contributions that women bring to the trades. Many companies are actively working to recruit and retain more female employees and there are more resources and support systems available for women in the industry. However, there ' s still more work to be done to address the ongoing challenges and barriers that women face in the trades.
If you’ re a business owner or industry professional looking to be part of this movement, find out how you can hire a female apprentice today: www. blulever. com / women-on-tools. PA
Happiness’ s advice: Be brave, be bold, stand your ground, normalise to complain less, it ' s okay to not know something, don ' t always have something to say, sometimes learn to speak when there ' s a need to do so and don ' t be afraid to take the leap. It ' s okay to be different and it ' s okay to stand out.
Don ' t forget to seek out supportive mentors and colleagues and don ' t be afraid to ask for help. Most importantly, believe in yourself and your abilities. You have the power to break down barriers and pave the way for future generations of women in plumbing and lastly, be the change you want to see.
Happiness showing the world what women in plumbing can do.
June 2025 Volume 31 I Number 04 www. plumbingafrica. co. za