Women’s History Month

Denver plumber touts benefits for working in the home service industry When it comes to working in the home service industry, High 5 Plumbing, a family-owned and operated plumbing company serving residents in the greater Denver metropolitan area, understands the positive advantages it can bring to a person’s career and lifestyle. With March being Women’s Read more

Denver plumber touts benefits for working in the home service industry

When it comes to working in the home service industry, High 5 Plumbing, a family-owned and operated plumbing company serving residents in the greater Denver metropolitan area, understands the positive advantages it can bring to a person’s career and lifestyle. With March being Women’s History Month, the team at High 5 Plumbing believes now is a perfect time for women to consider starting their trade career.

With March being Women’s History Month, the team at High 5 Plumbing believes now is a perfect time for women to consider starting their trade careers. Pictured are all the women who make High 5 Plumbing the company it is today.

“While there has been a considerable change in the perception of working in the trades, many still view plumbing as a male-dominated industry,” said Cassi Torres, co-owner of High 5 Plumbing. “There may be more males than females in the industry, but it’s not just for men. The trades offer an excellent career path for women. In addition to steady employment, the jobs offer great money and benefits for women to support their families. Whether you are a technician in the field or a customer service representative, there are plenty of job opportunities for women in plumbing or any other home service industry.”

One of the primary benefits of working in the trades is the cost of education. According to Indeed, one might pay as little as 5,000 per year to attend a trade school. Students who attend four-year colleges could spend anywhere between $10,000 to $50,000 per year on tuition. In addition, trade school programs can be completed in one to two years.

When it comes to a paycheck, those working in the trades can earn above-average salaries as soon as they enter the workforce. Earning potential can also be increased with more certifications.

“From a great salary to job security, women should consider entering the home service industry,” Torres said. “With more and more companies looking for skilled workers, this is a great opportunity to find a career you love while also helping take care of the community. Whether there is a pandemic or a financial crisis, people will always need plumbing maintenance. What better time to consider a shift than during Women’s History Month?”

To learn more about High 5 Plumbing, visit https://high5plumbing.com/.

In March, we celebrate Women’s History Month to honor the heroic and historic accomplishments of women in all areas of accomplishment. In plumbing, we look to Lillian Baumbach, the first female master plumber in the United States. Women, like Lillian, paved the way for modern female plumbers and other tradeswomen. The best form of honor Read more

In March, we celebrate Women’s History Month to honor the heroic and historic accomplishments of women in all areas of accomplishment. In plumbing, we look to Lillian Baumbach, the first female master plumber in the United States. Women, like Lillian, paved the way for modern female plumbers and other tradeswomen. The best form of honor is respect. There is no better way to respect tradeswomen than acting like a true ally.

What is an ally? An ally is an individual, contractor, manufacturer and/or retailer who stands with and for tradeswomen.

Women constitute a mere 1.5% of the construction trades industry workforce. With numbers so low, it’s easy to feel alone and isolated in your work environment. Below, find some tips to being an ally.

An ally:

  • Mentors – Providing sage advice to apprentices and young people in the skilled trades helps them feel welcomed in their work environment. This extends to facilitating networking and social events.
  • Does not assume – When in doubt, ask. Also, do not assume stereotypes about women or women who work in the skilled construction trades. Having low expectations of tradeswomen is another gaffe. Do not assume tradeswomen possess less experience or cannot complete the same tasks as a tradesman.
  • Isn’t shy – An ally calls people out and does not tolerate inappropriate and demeaning humor or remarks. Additionally, get involved with women’s committees. Both men and women can support women in the trades. An ally can also get involved with policy. Share information about the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act, sexual harassment training, and pregnancy discrimination.
  • Doesn’t mansplain – This should go without saying.
  • Encourages all voices – Keep an open mind. As a leader, create environments where all voices can be heard and appreciated.

It’s not simple, but it’s worth it. Allies, like tradeswomen, come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and creeds. An ally is a powerful tool for recruitment and retention of tradeswomen. Rest assured, tradeswomen will still be here with or without allies. But, they help to improve the workplace for all.

Guest Blogger – Allie Perez founded Texas Women in Trades in 2013, an organization working to bring more women, minorities, and young people to the trades. She also serves as the VP of Marketing and Operations at George Plumbing Co. in San Antonio and on the National Taskforce for Tradeswomen as the Communications Committee Co-Chair. A graduate of New York University, Allie has contributed to trade periodicals for more than seven years. To contact her directly, email texaswomenintrades@gmail.com.