Breaking Barriers and Building Futures: Women in the Plumbing Industry (Part 1)

This is Part 1 of a 2-Part series exploring trends and expert advice from professionals in the plumbing industry. Stay tuned for Part 2 which will be published in the coming months.

A diverse workforce fosters innovation, creativity and problem-solving—essential qualities in the plumbing industry, where every job presents unique challenges. When plumbing companies embrace diversity, they can better serve a broader client base, understanding and addressing the needs of a wide range of customers.

Over the years, the industry has been evolving, with more women entering the field and bringing fresh perspectives and skills. To further this positive trend, it is essential to continue attracting and supporting women in plumbing.

In this article, Tom Roberts, Global Director for PMG at the International Code Council, speaks with three plumbers from different parts of the world. They share their journeys, insights and advice for young professionals considering a plumbing career. Their stories highlight the challenges, successes and opportunities that come with working in the plumbing industry.

Meet the Plumbers Leading the Way

These three professionals—from the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia—are at different stages in their careers, offering a well-rounded view of the industry today.

Alayna Joyy (United States)

Alayna, 31, from Arizona, discovered plumbing during a pivotal time in her life. While working toward sobriety, she found a flyer for a plumbing trade school at a women’s resource center where her mother worked. Encouraged by her mom, she enrolled, completed the program in 10 months and quickly landed a job in the industry. Now, in 2025, she’s still thriving as a plumber.

Gemma Ireland (United Kingdom)

Gemma, 22, from Edinburgh, Scotland, is in the final year of her apprenticeship to become a plumber and gas engineer. She always wanted a hands-on job with long-term stability and a problem-solving focus. A work experience opportunity during high school solidified her interest, leading her to a four-year apprenticeship with the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF).

Linda Zimbos (Australia)

Linda, from Sydney, started her plumbing career in the late 1990s, when seeing a female plumber on-site was rare. Now, with over 26 years in the trade, she has built a successful career while inspiring others to see plumbing as a viable and rewarding path. 

Encouraging More Women to Join the Plumbing Industry

Education and Awareness

Each of these professionals took different paths into the industry, but they all share a common experience: a lack of awareness about plumbing as a career option during high school. They emphasize the importance of exposing young people to opportunities in the trades and encouraging parents to support diverse career paths. 

“I’d encourage parents to look up female plumbers on social media using hashtags and share these with their child. Seeing women thriving in the trade can be inspiring. Having been a plumber since 2017, I feel like social media has really grown for the trades, especially plumbing. The friendships you gain through social media is like a brotherhood and sisterhood I always wanted,” says Alayna.  

“Parental support makes a huge difference. It did for me, and now I have a career I love, with plenty of opportunities and job security,” adds Gemma. 

“Plumbing is a skilled profession with excellent career prospects, financial stability and great job satisfaction. If your daughter enjoys hands-on work, problem-solving, and seeing the results of her efforts at the end of the day, plumbing might be the perfect fit,” says Linda. 

The Importance of Role Models and Mentors

Seeing successful professionals in plumbing can inspire others to follow suit. Many industry associations and companies are highlighting the achievements of plumbers through stories, awards and media coverage.

Mentorship programs are also playing a crucial role by pairing experienced plumbers with newcomers to provide guidance and support.

Each of our professionals had mentors who shaped their careers:

• Alayna credits her trade school instructor, Robbie Wolf, for treating her as an equal and recognizing her potential. She also gained valuable skills from her first plumbing trainer, Ryan Birdsey, and now relies on her coworker, Newberry, for ongoing support. 
• Gemma names Danielle King, a qualified plumber and gas engineer, as her biggest influence throughout her apprenticeship. 
• Linda started her career working alongside her father, George, who taught her that plumbing is about working smarter, not harder. Now, she’s passing on her knowledge to the next generation, having trained over six apprentices and many more as a qualified plumbing trainer.

For those interested in becoming a mentor or mentee, the Code Council recently relaunched its mentorship program through the online Member Community. If you haven’t already, click here to join, and sign in using your existing myICC username and password (the Member Community can also be accessed via the myICC portal).

Improved Training Programs

Access to quality training is essential for attracting more people to the trade. Many programs are becoming more inclusive, offering flexible schedules and financial assistance to students from diverse backgrounds.

Our professionals shared their training experiences and advice:

• Alayna attended Suncoast Technical College in Florida tuition-free due to financial aid programs. She recommends looking into trade schools, apprenticeships with local plumbing companies or union apprenticeship programs. 
• Gemma advocates for the apprenticeship model, which combines hands-on work with classroom learning. 
• Linda explains that Australia’s standard plumbing apprenticeship involves four days a week on-site and one day in technical college for three years, followed by a final year of full-time work. “For me, the system worked well. I was young, book-smart and practical, with no major responsibilities outside of work and study. But once I became a trainer, I saw firsthand that this approach doesn’t suit everyone—regardless of gender. Learning styles vary, and not all apprentices thrive in a rigid structure. Thankfully, with new inclusive learning guidelines that cater to different abilities and styles, completion rates should improve over time,” said Linda.  

Changing Perceptions Through Public Campaigns

Public awareness campaigns are crucial in breaking down stereotypes and promoting the plumbing profession to all individuals. Social media plays a key role in amplifying these messages and showcasing real-life success stories.

Each of our featured plumbers has been actively involved in raising awareness:

Alayna believes in starting young. “If we introduced tool skills and plumbing awareness in middle and high schools, more kids would see plumbing as an essential, life-saving profession, just like doctors and nurses. I’ve also built a strong support network through social media, where I proudly share my work,”. You can follower her on Instagram at @alayna.joyy.

Gemma has shared her journey through various media platforms, including television, radio, podcasts and magazines. She was even nominated for the Rising Star award at the Design & Build UK Women in Construction Awards. You can follow her on Instagram at @gems_plumbing.

Linda highlights the power of representation, “social media allows young women to see real-life examples of female plumbers, “You can’t be what you can’t see’, To all the women sharing their stories—well done! Your work is shifting perceptions and opening doors for the next generation”. You can follow her on Instagram at @dyplumbers.

Shaping the Future of the Plumbing Industry

The experiences of these professionals demonstrate that, with the right support and opportunities, anyone can excel in plumbing, break barriers and build lasting careers. Moving forward, the industry must continue promoting inclusivity, offering mentorship and challenging outdated stereotypes. 

Whether you are a new professional considering a plumbing career or an industry leader looking to foster diversity, your efforts can make a difference. By sharing these stories and taking action, we can ensure that plumbing becomes a welcoming profession for all. 

Stay tuned for part two of this series, where we dive deeper into how to best support professionals in the plumbing industry. 

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