Female Trade Skills Competition

In support of International Women's Day, HIP teamed up with ESG to run an all-female skills competition at Lewisham College. The competitors ranged from level 1 to apprentices. “FEWER THAN 10% OF THE UK'S ENGINEERS ARE WOMEN - THE LOWEST PERCENTAGE IN EUROPE”

Statistics from the Institute of Engineering and Technology

Organised by Bob Noseda, on behalf of ESG, the day comprised of a large copper frame installation, pipe bending and press fit joints. Here's what some of the judges and the winner, Gracie Symon, had to say.

BECKY BATES

@BBPLUMB1NG What a way to celebrate International Women’s Day! Surrounded by six incredibly talented young ladies, it was an inspiration to watch. The girls showed discipline, aptitude, and willingness to learn. Competitions like this are important to highlight that regardless of gender a trade skill such as plumbing can be an interesting, engaging and fulfilling career.

JERRY WHITELEY

CIPHE, HEAD JUDGE The competition showcased exceptional work from everyone, even those who had only been doing their learning for the past few months. One person wasn’t on a plumbing course, but a multi-skills course, which made her involvement even more outstanding. Women can do plumbing and heating - yes, it’s hard and dirty work, but thoroughly rewarding in many ways. And you can have longevity in a career that will take you where you never thought you’d go.

WINNER GRACIE SYMON CITY COLLEGE, NORWICH COMPETITION SUPPORTERS

ZOË TANNER

MD, SNG PUBLISHING HIP was thrilled to support the all-female trade skills competition. We believe competitions are key for building confidence and developing skills. Providing platforms to showcase trade talent is essential and we are committed to supporting and encouraging plumbing learners to take part in as many competitions and experience as many opportunities as possible.

I was nervous to enter the competition but once I arrived everyone was friendly, and I relaxed. It was great to meet and talk with the other girls learning the same trade as me and inspiring to talk to people who have developed their career in the industry. Overall, just turning up to the competition was a confidence boost – winning it was a bonus!

@gs.plumbingheating

SAVES UP TO 15 MINUTES ON BOILER INSTALLATION PIPE COWL Comparethedifference PIPECOWL 20359 Advert 221x135:Layout 1 7/9/10 15:36 Page 1 Compare the differance THE ONE STOP FIX TO A LEAKING PIPE CLICK FIX

The Quickest, Neatest, Simplest and Lowest Cost The Quickest,Neatest,installation solution for pressure relief termination. Simplest and Lowest n No fabrication – particularly useful at higher levels Cost installationsolutionfor n Tried, tested and approved by British Gas n NHBC approved pressurerelieftermination ● Nofabrication–particularlyusefulathigherlevelsn Manufactured to EN1254 – complies with all ● TriedandtestedbyBritishGas ● NHBCapproved ● ManufacturedtoEN1254–complieswithall current legislations currentlegislations n Available from leading plumbing and heating merchants

1PipeCowl 1 Pipe Cowl 1solderedjoint 1 soldered joint Neatfinish everytime Neat finish every time Save Save 30-4015 minutes minutes

2bends 1tube 4solder joints Every installation isdifferent

Availablefromleadingplumbingandheatingmerchants www.pipecowl.comThe only fully tried and tested fitting for the PRV. www.pipecowl.com

n No pipe cutting – particularly useful in awkward places n Seals holes in 15mm pipe n Just add flux to the Click Fix, clip it over the hole and heat until a seal is made. n Available from leading plumbing and heating merchants

www.clickfix.co

Call: 01384 442852 - Email: rjweng@btinternet.com

www.rjwengineering.co www.pipecowl.com - www.click-fix.co - www.burstalert.co www.drainkey.co - www.dews.co - www.ssrods.co.uk