WITH less than 1% of UK plumbers being female, a national accreditation body for the industry is calling for more women to get on board.

As part of World Plumbing Day, which takes place on March 11, WaterSafe is launching its Get Girls Plumbing campaign.

The drive will encourage women to help protect public health by pursuing a career in the industry and to not to be put off by the out-dated stereotype that plumbing is a job better suited to men.

The national register for approved plumbers will also highlight the skills shortage across the UK which has led to a higher demand for competent plumbers.

Glasgow-based apprentice Zoe Hume said: “A lot of people have an old-fashioned view of what it’s like for a female plumber, but it’s no different really from any other job.

“My experience has been good from the start – I’ve found although male colleagues are often surprised to see a female plumber they haven’t treated me any differently.

“I’ve proved myself through hard work that I was as capable of doing the job as anyone else, which earned me respect.

She added: “The lads wonder if you’re cut out for the job, but soon see that as a female you can work as hard as anybody. Everyone gets treated the same on site. You get treated fairly – not differently because you’re a woman.”

Currently in her fourth and final year of an apprenticeship with Cruden Building and Renewals Ltd, the 22-year-old was drawn to plumbing for its variety and the opportunity to use her strong practical skills. She said: “Don’t be put off plumbing by seeing it as a male-dominated industry, if you really want to make it your career, just go for it.”

WaterSafe is also encouraging female plumbers to get approved, which reassures customers that they are trained to work safely.

Julie Spinks, director of WaterSafe said: “World Plumbing Day is a great opportunity to focus on female plumbers and encourage young women to apply for plumbing apprenticeships.

“These days there’s nothing a male plumber can do that a female can’t, and our research shows that many women and elderly customers in particular welcome the chance to employ a female plumber in their home.”