THREE female students have become pioneers in plumbing after succeeding in a trade dominated my men.
Just six months into their Level 1 plumbing course at Darlington College the trio are already being set more advanced tasks after being highly recommended to potential employers by their lecturer.
Ella Gilpin, 16, Olivia Liddle, 17, and, Francesca Shoults, 34, are leading the way in the trade just as a niche opens up for female tradespeople.
Darlington College lecturer Lee Chatterton explained: “There are a lot of people out there who would prefer to have a female plumber in their house rather than a man, especially councils who work with the more vulnerable.
“These students really are pioneers in plumbing and are already at a level ahead of many of their male counterparts on the course. I’m seeing a lot of creativity in their work, it is like art and they are getting everything right. I would be a happy to see them in jobs or on apprenticeships as soon as possible, they are such good advocates.”
Francesca, of Darlington, worked as a therapist and in homeless shelters until having children when she switched to the hospitality sector. She is now hoping to run her own plumbing business targeting vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, women’s refuges or anyone who would be more comfortable dealing with women.
She said: “I am just grateful we have tutors like Lee who gives us support but doesn’t treat us differently because we are women. I love it and feel I have found my niche. The thing I have taken away from this is never to let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.”
Olivia, of Darlington, admitted struggling with her attention span at school and so she wanted to do something more hands-on; her father recommended learning a trade. “I love plumbing, especially the copper work,” she said: “The course has also taught me perseverance. Everything isn’t going to go your way all of the time but, if you stick to it, it will work out in the end.”
Ella, of Colburn, decided on plumbing because she prefers a practical course to academic. “I would like to see people opting for greener energy,” she said. “My advice to other prospective students is to revise for your exams, particularly maths and English, which you can study at college but better to get them out of the way at school, then you’ll really be able to focus on what you’re passionate about.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.
