Katie secures qualification to help her family plumbing business

As the only female in her Level 3 Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying cohort at NZMA, Katie encourages more women to give trades a go.

Katie decided to enrol at NZMA Trades to help her family business thrive.

“My husband is a plumber. After getting a knee replacement, I decided to study in order to help him out,” Katie explained.

Katie attended NZMA’s Trades South campus because it was close to her home – which made all the difference when it came to attending workshops.

She says the staff at the campus have been instrumental in supporting her studies.

“In the practical workshop, it can be harder for females to dig holes and bend pipes. It is manual labour, there is no machine that does it – but all the students help you and the tutor as well.”

Katie plans to become an apprentice at her family plumbing business and get certified.

“I’ve helped my husband for many, many years but I haven’t gone through the more serious part. Graduating from NZMA means I can get my apprenticeship.”

“I recommend anyone who wants to work in trades to come here and the staff will point you in the right direction.”