Calls for greater diversity

Sexist and outdated stereotypes, as well as poor career advice, have been identified as major obstacles preventing women from pursuing a career in the plumbing and heating industry, according to a survey by the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF).

Of the 674 people polled, 39% believed that outdated stereotypes were the primary barrier, while 21% cited poor career advice. Additionally, 12% of respondents pointed to a lack of respect for women in the industry. Only 28% of people thought there was no barrier to women entering the profession.

Commenting on the study’s findings, Fiona Hodgson, chief executive of SNIPEF, says: “It is unbelievable that in 2023 outdated and sexist stereotypes continue to be made about what women can and cannot do, often reinforced by misguided career advice that the trades are men-only professions.

an apprentice plumber from Elgin, pictured above).

Later this autumn, SNIPEF will unveil its new Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion action plan, aimed at confronting industry misconceptions, to encourage more girls and women to consider training as a plumber and setting its ambition to have women making up 10% of all apprentices by the end of the decade.

Appealing to all

Calls to improve gender equality in the industry have also received the backing of the CIPHE. The Chartered Institute has acknowledged that gender parity needs to be addressed, especially in light of the current skills shortage, and more young people need to be encouraged to undertake a career in engineering.

To explain in more detail, ICOM has launched a paper to establish the definition of hydrogen-ready non - domestic appliances that would be supplied with a 100% hydrogen gas concentration and includes boilers, water heaters, air and radiant heaters and burners. For a copy of the guide, please use the online reader link below: ◼ phamnews.co.uk/423/05

“We need to encourage greater diversity into our industry, helping us address the current skills shortage and meet the demand from 30% of customers who have stated their preference for a women plumber.”

SNIPEF is looking to promote the small but growing number of women who are challenging these misconceptions and entering the plumbing industry, finding it an attractive and lucrative career option (including Nina Hamilton,

“It is key that young people of any gender are educated on the potential that plumbing and heating engineering has for them and their future,” says CEO Kevin Wellman. “It must be made common knowledge that university is not the only path to a successful and profitable career, and that a variety of pathways into plumbing and heating, including paid apprenticeships, are available.

“If we are able to increase the esteem of our industry in the eyes of young people, and especially girls, we will soon see the benefits that gender diversity has to offer heating and plumbing.”