10 BUSINESS AND TRAINING
Women on site
By
BluLever Education, edited by Megan O’ Connor
In the trades, the phrase‘ men’ s work’ is fading fast, and it’ s thanks to women like Faranani Nyela, a 26-year-old plumbing apprentice from BluLever Education’ s Aquaracers cohort. During her workplace-based learning at Churchill Plumbing, she faced real challenges and overcame them with grit, professionalism and heart. Here, Nyela tells her story.
Image supplied by BluLever Education
One day on site, we were installing a geyser on the ceiling and that day really tested me. Some of the guys laughed and didn’ t believe I could do it. They even tried to emotionally pressure me out of the task. But I stayed calm. I thought it through, followed the safety steps, used the right tools, and finished the job. It wasn’ t easy, but I did it.
After that, the team’ s attitude changed. They were impressed. That moment reminded me and showed them that ability has nothing to do with gender. That installation became a turning point for how I saw myself and how others saw me too.
To be honest, I didn’ t grow up imagining myself in plumbing, but I’ ve always been curious about how things work and I wanted to learn skills that would let me make a real, practical impact on people’ s lives. When I discovered how plumbing is tied to sanitation, clean water and public health, I knew this was something meaningful. I wanted to be part of that.
I was excited to get started, but I won’ t lie I was also nervous. I knew I was walking into a male-dominated space. I expected it to be tough. But instead of backing away, I saw it as an opportunity to break stereotypes. I wanted to show that women not only belong here, but that we can lead here too.
Another moment I’ m proud of was when I installed a thermal geyser by myself while my team leader was away. It was a big responsibility and I handled it confidently. I later realised some of the younger women on site were watching me. At first, they seemed unsure of themselves, but after seeing me work, they started stepping up more too. That made me proud. Representation really does matter. When they see someone like you succeed, it makes it easier to believe they can too.
Since starting my apprenticeship, I’ ve seen real progress in how women are treated in the field. My colleagues now ask for my input, trust my skills and treat me as an equal team member. There’ s more of an understanding now that good work comes from dedication, not gender.
Of course, there are still challenges. Some stereotypes still linger, and there’ s a lack of women in leadership positions. But I believe that with more mentorship, visibility and opportunities, we can close that gap. The industry is changing and I’ m proud to be part of that change.
In the beginning, it was hard. Some people looked at me and assumed I wasn’ t strong enough, especially because of my body size. There were times I felt like I had to prove myself twice as much just to be taken seriously. Comments and doubts like that can really get into your head, especially when you’ re new.
But I refused to let those assumptions define me. I stayed focused, I showed up, and I let my work speak for me. My attention to detail and my willingness to learn became my strongest tools. Over time, I noticed that people started to respect me, not because I talked about what I could do, but because I showed them.
Faranani Nyela’ s journey is proof that with the right support, mindset and determination, women can thrive in the trades and transform them for the better. PA
Nyela’ s advice to any women looking at plumbing as a career To any young woman thinking about plumbing or electrical work but feeling intimidated, I’ d say this: Don’ t let fear or other people’ s opinions hold you back. Every challenge you face will only make you stronger. Ask questions. Learn every day. Let your work show what you’ re capable of. And most importantly, don’ t be your own obstacle to success.
www. plumbingafrica. co. za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline March 2026 Volume 32 I Number 01