Female Heating and Gas Engineers
The days when women were all but barred from trade professions such as plumbing and heating engineering are long gone. However, it is still a male-dominated industry and many women feel put off from pursuing this career choice. It seems the main reason is due to the perception that this industry is a’man’s world’, with one YouGov survey claiming that 53% of young women are put off from entering the trades due to these myths and stereotypes. Those who are already working in these roles say that sexism and gender bias is still commonplace.
There are other factors that can also deter women from becoming female heating and gas engineers, such as the belief that these jobs are physically demanding or ‘dirty work’. While it is true that some aspects of the job involve manual labour, this is not always the case and there are a number of tools that can help make the work less physically demanding. Additionally, a number of women who are already heating engineers say that they find their job extremely satisfying and rewarding. This can be due to the sense of achievement that comes from fixing a problem for a customer, as well as the fact that they often have flexible working hours.
Another reason that more women should be encouraged to become heating engineers is the fact that the UK is facing a real crisis when it comes to a lack of skilled plumbers and engineers. It is estimated that over 97,000 Gas Safe registered engineers are hitting retirement age in the next decade, which means that there will be a huge shortage of people who can carry out repairs and installations. This can have a significant impact on people’s home comfort, as it may be several months before the issue is resolved.
Disadvantages of Female Heating and Gas Engineers
This is why it is crucial that more people are encouraged to enter the industry, particularly as a growing number of customers are choosing to hire female engineers. Many vulnerable or elderly customers, for example, report that they prefer a female engineer as they feel more comfortable around them and are less likely to be patronised. This trend is likely to grow in the future, especially as more of us start to move away from gas central heating systems and switch over to renewable energy sources.
It is important that more women are encouraged to consider a career as a heating engineer and to overcome the barriers that exist. This includes tackling the myths and stereotypes that surround the job, as well as making sure that women are aware of the opportunities available to them. The industry can also help by providing a more diverse workforce and standing up for equality when issues arise.
This will ultimately make for a better, more productive and efficient industry. It will also make the experience for everyone involved a more positive and enjoyable one. Ultimately, a career as a heating engineer is not only rewarding and fulfilling, but it can be incredibly rewarding for those who are willing to work hard.
