Qualities of a Female Heating and Gas Engineer
Despite being a profession that is predominantly male, there are many reasons why women should consider becoming heating and gas engineers. These include the fact that it is a highly paid career, as well as the opportunity to work for themselves and therefore create their own schedule and balance home and family life as they see fit. It is also a very practical career choice, as females can use their skills and knowledge to help customers with a range of heating issues such as broken boilers and problems with central heating systems.
It is important to note that women can become female heating and gas engineers in the same way as men, whether they follow an apprenticeship route or study at university. However, it is clear that women are often put off careers in the trade industry because of myths and stereotypes and sadly, some levels of sexism. It’s therefore vital that children are given the right information at school about all careers, including those in the trades, and are presented with a wide range of role models so they can choose their own path as they enter adulthood.
In order to be a successful heating and gas engineer, it is essential that you have a good level of maths and science and enjoy working with your hands. You will need to be able to offer excellent customer service and have the ability to think creatively and solve problems under pressure. You will spend a lot of time in people’s homes or businesses so you need to be comfortable with this and have good communication skills. It’s also a very varied job, and you can decide whether you want to be self-employed or take on jobs as part of a larger company, so it’s really down to personal preference and what suits your skillset.
What Are the Qualities of a Female Heating and Gas Engineer?
You can become a gas engineer through either an apprenticeship scheme or a fast-track programme, both of which are open to both men and women. Apprenticeship schemes are often subject to age limits, but a fast-track programme can be much quicker and may be suitable for anyone looking to change their career, as long as they have the right qualifications. Both of these options provide a great opportunity to learn and develop on the job, so you can be fully trained up and ready to start your new role within just two years.
If you are thinking about becoming a heating engineer, it is worth bearing in mind that you can find a huge number of supportive networks online and at events. You can also join groups such as Stopcocks Women Plumbers to help you network and learn from other female engineers who can give you support and advice on how to progress in the industry.
It’s a very rewarding career, and many women who already have roles in the trade industry say they love that they are able to do their job with a good sense of purpose and pride. They also often talk about the satisfaction of helping vulnerable and elderly customers, who may feel more comfortable with a female engineer coming to their home during a crisis.
