Females in the trade

AubreyMac

Does anyone know any?

Whilst doing some DIY in my own flat, I have found that I actually enjoy doing it.

I need to retrain (can not stand my job anymore) and have thought about doing something hands on.

Am thinking of doing painting and decorating and then moving on to tiling.

The only thing I think may hold me back is the fact that I'm a woman.

Admittedly, when I got a quote for my new boiler I was rather put off when a woman showed up. But she was only a sales rep and not the person doing the actual job.

I met someone at an event yesterday and he's into the construction trade, he know 2 women decorators who are always busy which I thought was encouraging.

PlutoinCapricorn

Some women who live on their own might be more comfortable with female 'workmen', provided that they were just as competent. I have seen companies that have only female staff. Try Google and you get this sort of thing:

http://www.leanneslickofpaint.co.uk/

DCFC79

If you enjoy it then yes give it a try.

Dont let the fact your a woman put you off.

phill99

I run a property maintenance company and have 18 tradesmen on sub-contract.


I had a female decorator who from a technical viewpoint was by far the best decorator I have used. She had a good eye for colour, was good with customers and did an excellent job. I got many jobs because of her - many elderly people and single ladies/mums were often happier to have a female in the house rather than a male.


I also have a female half of an electrician couple who is good with customers.


I personally don't think there a enough females in the construction. They are far better, however in an 'end user' environment (ie homeowners) than site work as their 'softer skills' can be used more.


As a female decorator, particularly for homeowners, you will be well received.


However, its not just about retraining in a skill. The problem with many tradesmen is that they are good at their trade, but they are rubbish at the other stuff - customer care, business management etc. So get both sides of the coin sorted - the trade and the business management side!!

PlutoinCapricorn

Some activities do need a lot of physical strength, but I agree that women often have very good colour sense. Perhaps installing huge boilers and baths by yourself might not be a good idea, but interior decorating is something you could be as good as anyone else at.

DCFC79

PlutoinCapricorn wrote: »

Some women who live on their own might be more comfortable with female 'workmen', provided that they were just as competent. I have seen companies that have only female staff. Try Google and you get this sort of thing:

http://www.leanneslickofpaint.co.uk/

As well as single women there's the stay at home mums who want another woman's view on paint colour when decorating.

d70cw6

I know some girls that are not too bad and fairly cheap if you're willing to protect yourself.

ViolaLass

You were put off when a woman turned up to give a quote on your boiler?!

Are we in the 60s?

Annisele

AubreyMac wrote: »

Admittedly, when I got a quote for my new boiler I was rather put off when a woman showed up. But she was only a sales rep and not the person doing the actual job.

Well if you don't think women can do the job, then you probably can't.

Women in general can do the job just fine. But it sounds to me like your attitude is likely to get in the way of you making a good job of it.

skivenov

PlutoinCapricorn wrote: »

Some activities do need a lot of physical strength, but I agree that women often have very good colour sense. Perhaps installing huge boilers and baths by yourself might not be a good idea, but interior decorating is something you could be as good as anyone else at.

Depends if you work smart and use the right stuff when it comes to moving stuff, or just pile in and flex your muscles.

I know a couple of female rackers (think the shelves in DIY stores), and they're as good as any of the blokes, in fact better than a lot of them.

tea_lover

AubreyMac wrote: »

Does anyone know any?

Whilst doing some DIY in my own flat, I have found that I actually enjoy doing it.

I need to retrain (can not stand my job anymore) and have thought about doing something hands on.

Am thinking of doing painting and decorating and then moving on to tiling.

The only thing I think may hold me back is the fact that I'm a woman.

Admittedly, when I got a quote for my new boiler I was rather put off when a woman showed up. But she was only a sales rep and not the person doing the actual job.

I met someone at an event yesterday and he's into the construction trade, he know 2 women decorators who are always busy which I thought was encouraging.

Your antiquated attitude could well hold you back. Your genitals are unlikely to.