Difference Between Male and Female Plumber
When you think of a plumber, the image that pops into your head is probably a male wearing a jumpsuit with tools slung over their shoulder and crawling into dark corners to repair a leaky faucet or unclog a toilet. This gender stereotype has dominated the plumbing industry for generations and has had a significant impact on who pursues a career as a plumber.
However, the times are changing. As more and more women continue to break through barriers in male-dominated industries, the number of female plumbers is steadily growing. And though many are still hesitant to hire female plumbers, the benefits of having women on the job go far beyond just increasing equality in the workplace.
The influx of female plumbers is also a great way to get more young people into the industry. According to WaterSafe, the current national shortage of skilled workers means that there are now more opportunities for apprenticeships than ever. It is important to keep this in mind when trying to encourage more young women into the trades and to make sure that they are aware of the various options available to them.
What is the Difference Between Male and Female Plumber?
Female plumbers can also add a level of comfort to their work, which is something that not every woman is comfortable with when hiring a male plumber for a home improvement project. For example, female plumbers can use a softer voice when talking with customers, which can be beneficial to those who are nervous about having strangers in their home. Additionally, female plumbers can help to alleviate some of the discomfort that can be associated with having a plumbing problem, particularly for women who are recovering from domestic violence or are single mothers.
Ultimately, the most important thing that female plumbers can do is inspire other women to follow in their footsteps. There is a large gap between the number of men and women in the trades, and this is not just limited to plumbing. Every woman that enters the field helps to push back the curtain on these gender stereotypes, and this is a positive change that can be seen in other male-dominated industries as well.
For the last decade, the Matco-Norca team has been dedicated to encouraging and supporting female plumbers as they strive for success in the industry. They are doing this in part by partnering with Plumbers Without Borders (PWB), an organization that aims to bridge the skills gap worldwide through volunteer projects focused on bringing clean, safe water to communities. In addition, they are focusing on getting the word out that hiring female plumbers is good for business and can help to close the gender gap in the PHCP industry overall.
For more information about how to encourage more young women into the plumbing field, contact your local vocational school or apprenticeship program. Similarly, it is helpful to review the language used in your job postings and to avoid using phrases that imply that men are preferred for certain positions, as this can put off potential applicants.
