Plumbing new proficiency

Taking out the inaugural Diverse Talent Award for Small-Medium Organisations at this year’s Diversity Awards NZ, Hutt Gas and Plumbing has been quietly leading the way for women in trades.

y demonstrating that a gender-diverse workforce is not only achievable, it’s also beneficial and a solution to a labour shortage, Wellington-based Hutt Gas and Plumbing has established itself as an employer of choice and a leader in the sector. 

Now it has been recognised publicly for its outstanding achievements at the annual Diversity Awards NZ – being awarded the Diverse Talent Award for Small-Medium Organisations.

It all began for the company when director Colleen Upton was approached by a future female plumber and gasfitter whose request for an apprenticeship had been turned down by 25 businesses. This startling information convinced Colleen it was time to drive industry change, starting with her own workplace.

As well as employing Shelley Sydow, who became the company’s first female plumber and gasfitter, Colleen and her fellow directors Darren Smith and Grant Jefferson quickly became outspoken champions for employing more women in their trade.

Founded in 1992, Hutt Gas and Plumbing today has 24 staff and operates within the male-dominated construction sector – which is currently experiencing an acute skilled labour shortage.

Most plumbing businesses are small male owner-operated businesses and many do not train apprentices, leaving little opportunity for women to secure roles. 

Not surprisingly, in the early days of trying to increase female participation, Colleen was met with flat out refusals.

So she focused on making changes within her own business, getting the team on board and overcoming obstacles such as sourcing trade clothing that fitted women’s body shapes and ensuring access to suitable toilet facilities on commercial sites.

By employing more female apprentices, then nominating them for awards and increasing their profile at industry events, Hutt Gas and Plumbing has established a reputation within the industry of providing a safe, inclusive and diverse environment. This has created a demand for apprenticeship placements and attracted female staff from other businesses.

It’s put the company in a strong position to lead by example. Hutt Gas and Plumbing’s workforce is 21 percent female (37.5 percent if admin staff are included) compared with an industry average of just 2.6 percent. 

It currently employs the highest number of female plumbers of any plumbing company in New Zealand, with five women in that role.

“By training more female apprentices we hope to see more female-owned plumbing companies in the future, thereby increasing opportunities for future female apprentices,” says Colleen. 

“Our male apprentices also benefit from being exposed to a diverse work environment where working with a woman is not an issue.”

An eye to the future

Apprenticeship training has always played a vital role at Hutt Gas and Plumbing. It provides an opportunity to embed the company’s culture and values into its future workforce, as well as leadership opportunities for senior staff.

“When setting up work teams, we ensure all staff get the opportunity to learn from male and female staff,” explains Colleen. “These teams are continually rotated to provide apprentices with a well-rounded experience of different personalities, leadership styles and guidance.”

So far the business has trained more than 50 apprentices and there are more than 14 plumbing businesses in Wellington that are now owned by, or employ, former Hutt Gas and Plumbing graduates.

The apprenticeship training includes one-on-one pastoral care and mentorship, career advice, budgeting advice and assistance with preparing book work prior to entering tertiary training. The team organises staff study groups for support and encourages staff to join relevant industry organisations such as the National Association of Women in Construction, paying the membership fees.

There is also an expectation that staff will work towards higher qualifications.

“We have the highest number of certifying plumbers and gasfitters of any other plumbing firm in Wellington. A certifying qualification is the highest qualification attained in the industry,” says Colleen.

Remuneration at Hutt Gas and Plumbing is based on qualifications and experience, reducing gender-based pay differences.

Colleen is also continuing to advocate for more women in the industry through her influential national governance roles and industry positions.