A study conducted by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2018 shows that 57.1 percent of women are engaged in the labor force. In spite of this high number, we still have misperceptions when it comes to women in the workforce, particularly in nontraditional jobs such as plumbing.
While women may feel apprehensive about entering a field that is traditionally male-dominated, the fact is that women are just as capable as men when it comes to plumbing.
In addition, labor movements are encouraging women to join the plumbing trade because of the numerous advantages. Here are five reasons why:
1. There is a high demand for plumbers
The plumbing industry is booming, and there is a high demand for plumbers. In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that there will be a 5 percent growth in the demand for plumbers by 2030 and 51,000 jobs opening every year until then.
This is good news for women who are looking for a stable and secure career. With the right training and certification, you can be sure to find a job in the plumbing industry. Also, the unique addition of women in the workforce can attract more customers, as studies have shown that women are more likely to be trusted service providers.
2. Greater flexibility and independence
Plumbing offers greater flexibility and independence than many other careers. As a plumbing contractor, you can choose to work independently or start your own business. This gives you the opportunity to create your own schedule and work environment.
You can also choose to specialize in a certain area of plumbing, such as residential or commercial plumbing. This allows you to focus on the type of work that interests you the most. Above all, if you are a single mom or working mother, plumbing can give you the flexibility to balance your work and family life.
3. Good earnings potential
Although plumbers typically earn an hourly wage, experienced plumbers can earn a salary of more than $100,000 per year. In addition, plumbing is a recession-proof career, which means that you are more likely to find job security in this field.
For employed plumbers, there are a lot of benefits and perks that come with the job. These can include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid vacation days. This would be advantageous, especially if you are the primary breadwinner in your family.
4. It’s a challenging and interesting career
Plumbing is a challenging and exciting career that can offer a lot of satisfaction. As a plumber, you will be responsible for installing and repairing piping systems. This can be a mentally and physically challenging job as it requires problem-solving skills, manual dexterity, and physical strength.
It is also a very rewarding career as you will be helping people with their everyday lives. You will be fixing plumbing problems that can cause a great deal of inconvenience and even danger. This can give you a sense of pride and accomplishment.
5. Accessible training and certifications
There are many accessible training and certifications available for women who want to enter the plumbing trade. You can find community colleges that offer certification programs as well as online courses.
You can also get on-the-job training by working with a licensed plumber. This is a great way to learn while getting paid at the same time. Additionally, the cost of going to college has sky-rocketed in recent years, making plumbing a more affordable and practical option for many women.
These are just some of the reasons why women should join the plumbing trade. With the many benefits it offers, plumbing is a great career choice for women who are looking for stability, independence, and good earnings potential.
Where to Find Training and Certification Programs?
Here are some places where you can find training and certification programs for plumbing in BC, Canada:
BCIT Piping Foundation Programs
The Piping Foundation program prepares students for entry-level employment in the piping trades: plumbing, steamfitting, and sprinkler fitting. This program is 6 months long and covers the foundation for the entire plumbing and piping industry. It is a great way for new woman to explore the trades who have no experience in the construction and plumbing industry. Once you have graduated from this program, you will be very employable.
Other colleges that offer training in the plumbing industry
On-the-Job Training
One of the best ways to learn plumbing is by working with a licensed plumber. Many times, plumbers are willing to take on an apprentice to train them on the job, this might not always be the case for a woman since there are still plumbing companies that are not open to the idea of hiring women. However, it is worth asking around and seeing if any companies in your area are willing to give you a chance.
You can also learn all about the plumbing apprenticeship through the Industry Training Authority. They have a great breakdown of what the plumbing apprenticeship entails and everything you need to know to get started. You can check them out here.
Join Our Team at Your Guy Plumbing!
If you are a woman looking for a career in plumbing, we here at Guy Plumbing believe that you would be an excellent fit for our team. We believe that plumbing is for anyone regardless of gender. As long as you are willing to put in the hard work and we would love to have you as part of our team.
Our company values equality and teamwork, and we believe that diversity makes for a stronger team. We would love to have you as part of our team and help contribute to our success. So if you are living in the Lower Mainland of Canada and are interested in a career in plumbing, please don’t hesitate to visit our career page or call us to learn more about joining our team.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why women should join the plumbing trade. With the many benefits it offers, plumbing is a great career choice for women who are looking for stability, independence, and good earnings potential.
There are many accessible training and certification programs available to help women get started in their careers. If you are a woman looking for an exciting and rewarding career, plumbing is a great option to consider.
And if you are already in the plumbing trade, we here at Guy Plumbing would love to have you as part of our team. Contact us today to learn more about what we do and how you can be a part of it.
FAQs
Is it hard to be a woman in the plumbing trade?
There can be some challenges that come with being a woman in the plumbing trade. However, there are many resources and programs available to help women succeed in their careers. With the right training and support, any woman can succeed in the plumbing trade.
Do all plumbing companies hire a woman plumber?
No, not all plumbing companies are open to hiring women. However, there are many companies that are willing to give qualified women a chance. One of them is us at Your Guy Plumbing; we would love to have you as part of our team.