A FEMALE plumber is to tackle the best on tap as she continues to thrive in a male dominated career.
Darlington College student Francesca Shoults will take part in the HIP and SPARKS competition in Wigan next spring.
The Level 2 plumbing technical student will compete against more experienced L3 apprentices in the contest which searches nationally for the best up-and-coming industry talent in the plumbing, heating and electrical sectors.
Francesca, a second year student at Darlington College, came late to the trade. Now aged 35 and a mum of two boys, she previously worked in hospitality, as a therapist and in a homeless shelter before deciding on a career change.
“I have developed a real passion for plumbing, it’s what I really want to do,” said Francesca, of Darlington. “I’m leaning towards heating engineering and green energy. I enjoy bending copper and the meticulous nature of the work. It is actually artistic and you can make it look like it is something that has grown out of the wall.”
Francesca sees a niche in the market for a female plumber. “I think women, the elderly or people who feel vulnerable would feel more comfortable with a female plumber in their homes,” she said. “I’d like to run a business of all-female plumbers. I think there is a calling for it.
“The construction industry is still dominated by men and as a woman going into a man’s world you have to be more resilient. College has been really supportive in encouraging me to enter the HIPS competition. I have been able to come into college to practise and tutors have made me feel like I can do this. I really want to do well. Hopefully this will get my name out there and someone will offer me an apprenticeship.”
Darlington College lecturer Lee Chatterton said he would recommend Francesca to any employer.
He said: “Employers will be at the competition and nothing would give me more pleasure than to see Francesca be offered a job. She is now good enough to compete and the department is sponsoring her by providing the tools. She has helped install washbasins in the skills bays and the work has been externally verified by industry experts who were stunned by the quality of workmanship.
“We need to futureproof young people to ensure they have a stable and sustainable future so we want Darlington College to be the best at developing green energy skills.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.