Women in Plumbing event in Bloemfontein brings women plumbers together.
From the left to the right: Katja Lommetz (Program Manager Partnership & Motheo TVET College), Piet Naude (Plumber/IOPSA Member), Philip Swart ( Assistant Campus Manager Motheo TVET National Artisan Academy), Pulane Booysen (Female Plumber/Owner Construction Company) Supplied by IRESA
In June, the co-organised “Women in Plumbing” event by IOPSA and IRESA happened in Bloemfontein. The purpose of the event was not only to place students in the private sector for practical training, but also to create public awareness for women in the male-dominated plumbing industry.
The event served as a platform for Motheo TVET College and the private sector to come together and engage in dialogue. Discussions were held on the needs and expectations of students entering the industry as well as the expectations of the employers towards the college and the students.
Two speakers with fundamentally different backgrounds were invited. On the one hand, Philipp Swart, Assistant Director Academic at Motheo TVET College, provided detailed information on the plumbing courses offered at the college. On the other hand, Pulane Booysen, a female entrepreneur in the plumbing industry, gave an insight into what it is like to work in what is still a very male-dominated field as a woman.
Overall, the plumbing courses at the college now consist of around 50% female participants. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration between the TVET College and the private sector in providing the necessary resources and support for women who want to learn the profession of plumbing.
