Breaking Barriers and Building Futures: Women in the Plumbing Industry (Part 2)

This is Part 2 of a 2-Part series exploring trends and expert advice from professionals in the plumbing industry. To read Part 1, click here.

In this article, Tom Roberts, Global Director for PMG at the International Code Council, speaks with three plumbers from different parts of the world. The plumbers, introduced in Part 1, share their journeys, insights and advice for young professionals considering a plumbing career.

Supporting Women in Plumbing

Workplace Policies and Culture

Creating a respectful and inclusive work environment is crucial for retaining plumbing professionals. Companies are increasingly focusing on creating a culture where all employees feel valued and supported.

Our featured plumbers, at various stages of their careers, shared their experiences with workplace cultures.

Alayna Joyy, the only female plumber at her company, noted, “I’ve been with the same company since graduating trade school. Their policies create a welcoming and fair environment. They’ve even highlighted me on social media, showcasing my work on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, and I’ve won company awards for my efforts.”

Gemma Ireland, who’s in the final year of her apprenticeship, said, “I’m fortunate to work for a small female-led plumbing company.”

Linda Zimbos, a seasoned professional, emphasized, “For women in plumbing, it’s not about special treatment, it’s about fostering a culture of respect, trust, open communication and a bit of fun. A workplace with these values supports everyone, regardless of gender. While progress has been made, the industry still needs to embrace inclusion more broadly.”

Professional Development

Ongoing professional development is often considered key to career advancement in the plumbing industry. Employers are often seeking to offer continuous learning opportunities to employees to build technical skills, leadership skills and an understanding of the latest industry trends.

In addition to these areas, all three professionals we spoke with emphasized the importance of training.

“Working on your eating habits and working out is important, as plumbers are constantly on the go and the job is physically demanding. As you are always traveling between jobs, so you really need to consider the things that you eat each day,” shared Alayna.

Linda stressed the importance of looking beyond technical skills. “Business, communication and networking are critical for long-term success. Attend trade shows, stay updated on industry developments and build a diverse skill set to stay adaptable and confident in your career.”

Networking Opportunities

Networking is crucial for career growth, and there are many opportunities available within the plumbing and construction industries. It allows plumbing professionals to share experiences and gain valuable insights from peers and industry leaders.

When asked about networking across the plumbing and construction industry, our panel of plumbers highlighted some key experiences they have had. 

Alayna highlighted a recent podcast appearance where she discussed her career and the benefits of pursuing a trade.

Gemma recalled attending the Women in Construction Awards in London, where she was nominated for the Rising Star Award: “The event was an excellent networking experience, connecting with professionals across the industry.”

Linda advocated for networking beyond just plumbers, and emphasized relationships with suppliers, building safety professionals and others in the construction sector. “Building strong connections across the industry helps you stay informed, improve your skills and open doors to new opportunities. I network with suppliers, local plumbers and former employees, industry groups and a network of building safety professionals. Networking isn’t just about business—it’s about learning, growing and making the industry better for everyone.”

Work-Life Balance

Many professionals juggle multiple responsibilities, including work, study and family. More and more employers are offering flexible work arrangements and benefits that support a work-life balance, such as flexible hours, remote work options and parental leave, however some of these options, such as working from home, are not always available in careers such as plumbing. That said, a supportive work environment that also respects employees’ personal lives can enhance job satisfaction and retention.

We asked our three plumbers about their experiences in finding balance with interesting responses from the different stages of their plumbing careers. 

Alayna shared how her large company supports her work-life balance: “I have the flexibility to schedule my time off well in advance. With over 100 plumbers, I can take vacations and have time with my family without impacting the team.”

Gemma also appreciates the balance her company offers, allowing her to juggle work, study and personal activities like horseback riding and gym time.

Linda discussed the challenges of maintaining balance in a demanding industry: “Plumbing emergencies don’t always happen during business hours. But I make it a point to offer flexibility to my team and not demand excessive overtime. A well-rested plumber is more effective than a burnt-out one.”

By sharing their experiences, these professionals offer valuable lessons on building a successful and sustainable career in plumbing. Whether it’s fostering an inclusive workplace, continuous learning, networking or achieving work-life balance, their insights and success provide guidance and inspiration for the next generation of plumbing professionals.

Catch up on “Breaking Barriers and Building Futures: Women in the Plumbing Industry (Part 1)” here. To stay updated on the latest PMG industry news, subscribe to the Code Council’s PMG newsletter here.