2 minute read
Plumber Profile with Leah Johnson
THE GAS LASS, LEAH JOHNSON
When Leah Johnson dropped out of Art College she had no idea what she wanted to do next. A chance advert in a national newspaper, and a mum who spotted an opportunity, lead to a long career in the trade!
QHIP MAGAZINE: Why did you decide on the plumbing trade?
Leah Johnson: British Gas were doing a massive national recruitment drive. My mum saw their advert in the paper, cut it out and suggested I apply. That was 20 years ago!
QHIP: Did you start off by doing an apprenticeship?
LJ: Yes I did an apprenticeship with British Gas. I was lucky as it was quite well paid and I gained a lot of valuable knowledge.
QHIP: What’s the best piece of advice you would give to current apprentices?
LJ: I would say to new apprentices to stick at it, no matter how difficult it may seem at times. It will be worth it in the end.
QHIP: What tool could you not live without?
LJ: My Knipex cobras and my Bahco adjustable spanner.
QHIP: What tips would you give for setting up a business?
LJ: Get out there and start networking. And have a good work-life balance. I work more hours in the winter in order to have plenty of time off in the summer to travel the south coast in my campervan.
QHIP: Which bit of new technology are you most interested in?
LJ: I’m rubbish with technology!
QHIP: What’s your experience of being female in a male-dominated trade?
LJ: My experience has been rewarding. I have never been made to feel any different from the guys I’ve worked with. I think these days it is much more common to see female tradeswomen and some people actually prefer to have us working in their homes.
QHIP: Who has been the biggest influence on your career and why?
LJ: All the brilliant guys I’ve worked with and learned from – right from day one.
QHIP: How do you use social media for your business?
LJ: I use Facebook for my business and I actually get most of my work through my business page. I have great reviews and I’m constantly being recommended through local community Facebook pages.
@thegaslass @thegasslass
