August 16, 2016

Women NSW has recently launched a new funding scheme for the training and employment of women in non-traditional trades, joining a growing number of government and not-for-profit group’s driving the initiative.

Jessica Malouf, A.G. Coombs (Projects) Mechanical Plumbing Apprentice (pictured) was featured in a Herald Sun article highlighting the drive for more women to undertake a trade in construction, plumbing, engineering or electrical.

“I’ve been a mechanical plumbing apprentice for three years now and people are still surprised that I’m a girl. One guy at the gym asked me why I was wearing a plumbing shirt, and I said: ‘Because I’m a mechanical plumber.’ They think I’m joking. I don’t mind though. I like that I’m breaking the stereotype.

My mum is a locksmith, so I grew up seeing her using tools and thinking women doing trades was normal. I always wanted to have a go myself and was especially interested in mechanical plumbing. Now that I’ve started, I love it. It’s the best thing I’ve ever decided to do.”

The rise of the lady tradie, Herald Sun, 13 August 2016

A.G. Coombs Group is an equal opportunity employer and currently employs several women in mechanical plumbing and refrigeration trade roles. For more information on the A.G. Coombs Group of Companies apprenticeships and trainee programs in mechanical plumbing, refrigeration and air conditioning, drafting, sprinkler fitting and electrical go to www.agcoombs.com.au/people-careers/