"If you're thinking about a job in plumbing, I'd say go for it. Don't be scared by what you think it will be like. A lot of men think it's great and are very respectful"

Skilled trades - Plumbing

Nina Fisher
Trainee plumber

I used to look at people working in manual trades and think that I would love to do it. I liked the idea of construction but never saw women doing it, so didn't think it was possible.

I started in retail at 16, because I thought that was the best of the few options available to me as a woman. After years in sales and retail positions, I ended up working for a media company, which I found quite boring because I prefer not to be sitting down all the time.

I saw an advert in the paper for a plumbing training course with a women's group. Not only did I feel I could do it, I knew that the plumbing industry was crying out for people.

Plumbing is great because you can use your brain, while doing a physical job. I never get bored because I'm always learning and every day is different. I'm also more independent as my job is well-paid and financially secure. I much prefer my job to the ones my female friends have got, and I'll always have this trade to fall back on.

Also, once you qualify, you can work for yourself, or train other people. For instance, you can work in a prison and help inmates gain a useful skill, which I find is really rewarding.

If you're thinking about a job in plumbing, I'd say go for it. Don't be scared by what you think it will be like. A lot of men think it's great and are very respectful.