women in plumbing : When this young Aussie woman shows up for work, she’s often met with doubt—not because of her skills or reputation, but simply because of her gender.
Lainie Paterson, a 22-year-old qualified plumber, frequently encounters assumptions that she’s not capable of doing her job. It’s not due to a lack of training—she left school in Year 11 to follow her passion for working outdoors, having grown up helping her dad on job sites.
I’ve had people say, ‘You can’t lift that, you’re a chick,’” she shares. “The hardest part is when people don’t believe in me.
Lainie finds these outdated attitudes frustrating. She openly admits that plumbing demands serious strength—“You’ve got to be bloody strong”—but she’s more than up for the challenge.
Meet the 22-Year-Old Female Plumber Defying Gender Stereotypes in the Trades
There have been moments on the job when clients have questioned her abilities, even going as far as to ask if a man could take over instead.
Lainie Paterson says she hears remarks like that “all the time,” with some people outright telling her they don’t believe she’s capable—simply because she’s a woman.
I’ve had people say, ‘Maybe you should bring one of the boys out,’” she recalls.
Because of these experiences, the 22-year-old has chosen not to return to certain clients’ homes, knowing their attitudes toward female tradies are unlikely to change.
Still, she notes a shift in the industry. “It is getting better—people are less surprised and less sexist than they were five years ago. Something must be changing,” she says optimistically.
Ms Paterson brings more hands-on experience than most tradies her age. School was never her passion, and on days she didn’t want to attend, her dad would take her along to job sites—an environment she quickly grew to love.
I’ve been passionate about plumbing ever since,” she said.
She thrives on problem-solving, enjoys being outdoors, and values the teamwork that comes with working alongside other tradies. But despite her skills and dedication, she regularly encounters sexism on the job.
People are often surprised, and I’ve had to deal with catcalling and even people taking photos without my consent,” she shared.
While she acknowledges that “a really good percentage of men” in the trade are supportive, she also admits there are still some who make things more difficult.
There are a few who don’t make it easy, and you just have to push through,” she added.
block that out,” she said.
Lainie Paterson Opens Up About Sexism, Strength, and Starting Her Own Plumbing Business
The young tradie has learned to block out the negativity, focusing instead on her passion for the work she loves.
I enjoy doing something different every day. There’s always a new challenge to solve, and it’s quite a social job too, she explained.
My dad is really proud of me.
Right now, work is even more special—this is the first time she’s had the chance to work alongside her dad, who usually takes offshore jobs.
It’s been amazing. My dad’s my best mate,” she said with a smile.
Despite facing sexism, she’s carved out a path to success. She recently launched her own plumbing business—and it’s been thriving.
One of the great things about being a female tradie is that a lot of single or elderly women feel more comfortable having a woman in their home. They’re always so kind and welcoming,” she said.
I really love working with them.
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