Plumbing Connection Autumn 2016

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AUTUMN 2016 37
apprenticeships, which meant I was at
school three days per week (with the
other two spent in my apprenticeship)
and still eligible to qualify for
my year 12 certificate. I decided
to ask my father if I could do an
apprenticeship with him. His response
was, “I can think of way cleaner careers
than plumbing,” to which I replied, “I
can only give it a go and if it’s not for
me I can find something else.”
As it turns out, plumbing was
for Carlie and her trajectory in the
field was impressive. As far as she’s
aware, she was Australia’s first
female plumbing inspector with one
other recently surfacing in Northern
Queensland.
“When I was on the tools I worked
on new houses , kitchen and bathroom
renovations involving above and below
ground drainage, installation of water
pipes and gas fitting to name a few. I
also carried out work in shop fit outs
and maintenance. Maintenance work
involved anything from replacing tap
washers to unblocking a toilet.
“While inspecting I carry out
inspections on both commercial and
domestic construction sites to make
sure the work being installed complies
with the AS/NZ3500 and is installed
by a licensed plumber/drainer. I also
carry out investigations which involve
complaints logged with our call centre
so I am dealing more with rate payers
and the occasional licensed plumber.
These investigations are mainly for
seepages, blockages, illegal and
unlicensed works.”
Carlie’s passion for plumbing stems
a little further than most and as a
result she has started a website:
on which
she provides simple and straight
forward information that is relevant to
both female and males with a section
titled Life as a Lady Tradie in which she
profiles various female tradies.
Being involved in a project from start
to finish is one of the major appeals of
the plumbing industry for Carlie.
“I love the feeling of looking back at
the end of a project and being able to
say, ‘Yep, I did that’.
Another reason I loved being in a
trade is the fact you can work both
indoors and outdoors and everyday is
different.
“I think it’s important for people to
realise is that there is way more to
plumbing than just taps and toilets.
“For over 14 years now I have been
involved and invited to attend several
meetings, launches, careers expos,
construction expos, school careers
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