SNIPEF

The plumbing and heating profession is always evolving, with new technology and regulations, but one thing has been slow to change – the make-up of its workforce.

Traditionally, the industry has been male-dominated, with apprentices starting shortly after finishing school. But amid skills shortages, diversifying our search for new recruits could be essential to building a stronger future.

Apprentice Kirsty Bennett, of Carnoustie, is one of the next generation of talent who proves it’s never too late to change career after spending many years as a hairdresser.

The 39-year-old completed a City and Guilds course in hairdressing after she left school, working at salons in Broughty Ferry and Dundee city centre for several years to further develop her career.

But over time, she started to lose her passion for hairdressing and, at the back of her mind, she always had a desire to try something different.

“I’d been saying to myself for the last 10 years that I really want to change career”, Kirsty said. “I approached Dundee and Angus College and met a careers adviser. I said I’d always been good with my hands, always tinkering about.

“My dad was the gas coordinator for Dundee City Council and I remember asking him when I was younger if I could do work experience with him. He said, ‘Not a chance, this isn’t a job for a woman’.
was a gas engineer but I would really like to do plumbing – luckily enough there was one space left for pre-app at the college.”

Kirsty started her course in 2023, initially dividing her time between college during the day and working as a self-employed hairdresser at night to help pay the bills.

She applied for a variety of roles but missed out due to lack of experience, so studied mechanical engineering systems at West College Scotland in Paisley for a year, while continuing to travel back and forth from Carnoustie three days a week.

Upon completing this course, she resumed her job search, spotting an opening for an apprentice plumber at Emtec.

Kirsty said: “Lots of people had applied but I was really driven to prove I could do this – and I got the job.
“Even though I’d been knocked back a few times, I was always eager to prove people wrong and prove to my dad that I was able to do this.

“It hasn’t been easy but I’m so glad I did it – I just wish I’d done it sooner.”

Kirsty is now entering her second year as a plumbing apprentice with Emtec, completing her Modern Apprenticeship through SNIPEF Training Services at Dundee and Angus College. Moving from the salon environment to the world of plumbing and heating has been quite a change, especially as the only woman in the team.

Kirsty explained: “When I first joined, some of the guys found it difficult because they thought they would have to change how they were. But they soon got to know me – and my strong personality! The guys in my team have been brilliant and I really enjoy working with them.

“For me, the big change has been moving and adapting from the salon environment to a building site. From a fitness standpoint, it’s a big physical change but I’ve got to grips with it quickly and have loved every second.”

Kirsty might not describe herself as a trailblazer, but her story is certainly inspiring to people with similar ideas about making a change in their life.

As someone who has gone through the process, Kirsty is keen to share advice with others looking to follow a similar journey.

She said: “I know I’m not the only person who has spent a lot of time wishing they had done something different. I didn’t want to reach 10 years down the line and regret not making that decision. So, I’d say to others, go for it, life’s too short not to.

“I’d also advise people to visit their local college. If it wasn’t for me going in and speaking to that adviser, this maybe wouldn’t have happened. Sometimes you just need to speak to people and unlock a passion you have for something that you never knew you had.

“But I would also say to those similar ages to me that you’re not too old to make a change. Age is just a number. It’s never too late to change your career but you’ve got to want to make these changes yourself.

“Jobs won’t come and find you but if you are driven to make a change, there are wonderful opportunities out there for everyone.”

Eddie Fergus, Business Support Manager at Emtec Building Services, said:
“There was no hesitation in offering Kirsty an apprenticeship. She demonstrated passion and determination, underpinned by the ability and commitment she had already shown through pre-apprenticeship and engineering courses.

“Since then, she has received nothing but praise from college and her colleagues, moving into her second year with the same dedication that Emtec Building Services has shown to her. This mutual commitment is building a partnership we hope will last throughout a long, successful career.”

James Hendry, Operations Manager at Emtec Building Services said:
“Kirsty has brought the same professionalism and dedication that served her well in her first career.
“From day one she has given her very best to every project, leading by example and earning praise not only from her team but also from clients, who consistently commend her positive attitude and strong work ethic.

“We have no doubt that Kirsty will complete her apprenticeship to the highest standard and grow into a real asset for our business.
“Beyond her own achievements, her journey is an inspiring reminder that plumbing is a career open to all and we hope her story encourages more women to consider joining our industry.”

Editor's perspective:
As we continue to see workforce shortages impacting businesses, with skilled workers being in short supply sector-wide, it may be the time for employers to think out the box when it comes to recruitment.
Kirsty provides an interesting example of two new avenues that employers could explore when bolstering their teams.

Firstly, our profession often favours apprentices based on their youth. This makes sense as you have time to train and develop them into a skilled professional perfectly suited to your business.

But it shouldn’t be the only option and Kirsty proves there are older people out there with the drive, determination and life experience to succeed in another role. They won’t all be hairdressers – but there must be many people working in other professions within the construction sector who also have the skill set to succeed in our industry.

Kirsty also represents a group still underrepresented in our industry – women. The plumbing and heating profession, and construction in general, has long been male-dominated, which means employers naturally see fewer female applicants. But that makes it more important to recognise the talent and perspective women can bring.

Rather than seeing sex as a barrier, employers should see it as an opportunity to broaden the skills and strengths within their teams. Stories such as Kirsty’s show how much value can be added when women are given the chance to thrive.

See this article and more by reading the latest edition of PlumbHeat here