Formed in August 2002, the CIPHE's Women in Plumbing and Heating Group (WPHG) is primarily a support network for women working in the plumbing industry and for those seeking information for a career in plumbing. The Group provides support and advice to women working in the industry and to those considering a plumbing career. It also helps to raise awareness of the career opportunities for women in the industry.
This is done by:- Taking part in all forms of media interviews to raise awareness of women working in the industry.
- Publishing a newsletter available to all interested parties.
- Producing a fact sheet to give basic advice to women wanting to train as plumbers.
- Creating a network for women in the industry who would like to be put in touch with others doing a similar job.
- Arranging visits to manufacturers or places of interest connected with plumbing and heating.
- Arranging a one-day annual conference.
- Arranging training days.
To date the WPHG has taken part in many newspaper, radio and television interviews and has become well known in the plumbing and heating industry. Regular newsletters keep members in touch with the Group's activities and welcome relative contributions from readers. The newsletter goes out mainly to women working in all areas of the plumbing industry ranging from hands-on plumbers to business directors. Even those women helping their partners to run small plumbing and heating businesses can benefit from networking with others in a similar situation. Interestingly, the majority of people on our circulation list are trainee plumbers.
Training days have also been arranged for WPHG members and proved very popular with both qualified plumbers and trainees. These visits, arranged with the Institute's Industrial Associates, provide up-to-date training on new products and essential technical back-up should this be needed.
There is no charge for membership and anyone (men and women) can become involved. However, we do encourage people to become members of the IPHE, which is the professional body for the industry.
As to the future, the Women in Plumbing and Heating Group is dedicated to continuing its role as a support and awareness group to help bring into effect a fully integrated industry that will bring plumbing into its rightful position as a respected trade and highly skilled profession.
One-day Conference - Sustainable Careers
The Women in Plumbing and Heating Group will be staging another one-day conference at the Union Jack Club in London on Thursday 13th November. The conference this year is being sponsored by Plumbing Trade Supplies (PTS) and will be free for delegates to attend.
Alan Sims, from Ideal Boilers will be talking about sustainable products and the importance of training for installers. Kate Churchill MCIPHE RP runs her own plumbing business and will tell of her experiences in the industry. Those of you who have attended previous conferences will be delighted to know that Claire Curtis-Thomas MP will be joining us on the day. Claire is an inspirational speaker and her humorous talks are truly memorable.
There will also be three workshops to choose from:
- Managing Customer Relations.
- Interview Techniques.
- Sustainable Products
Lunch and refreshments are included and there will be an opportunity to network after the conference. This is an extremely popular event, so it is important to book your place in advance - priority will be given to CIPHE members. Please download the conference booking form below and send to Carol Cannavan.
The WPHG would like to thank PTS for sponsoring this conference, we couldn't do it without their help! As a national supplier they provide a service to plumbing and heating engineers right across the country and by supporting Women in Plumbing and Heating they demonstrate that level of support even further.
Conference Booking Form (PDF: 28Kb / 2 pages)
WPHG e-newsletter
The WPHG e-newsletter is in PDF format and contains information on training days, WPHG events, requests from readers, profiles and industry news in connection with diversity. We welcome material that would be of interest to WPHG readers, but reserve the right to edit if published. Men and women are welcome to subscribe to this free newsletter. If you would like to be added to the circulation list please email Carol Cannavan at carolc@iphe.org.uk.The following people are committee members of the Women in Plumbing and Heating Group.
Diane Willis
Grundfos Pumps Limited
Email: dwillis@grundfos.com
Sue Leong - Professional Development
Email: wphgtraining@yahoo.co.uk
Carol Cannavan - Secretary
The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering
64 Station Lane, Hornchurch, Essex, RM12 6NB.
Email: carolc@ciphe.org.uk
Barbara Field - Chairwoman
John Grear Marketing & Management
Email: barbara.field@virgin.net
Geoff Marsh MBE
Email: geoff@marsh12.plus.com