Apprentice Plumber
Name: Kira Wetzel
Career stage: Early career - less than 5 years' experience
Working: On site
High School Subjects: Mathematics, English, Health and human development, Biology, Math Methods and Geography
Favourite: Mathematics. I was always good at solving equations and problems. I enjoyed the different aspects of math and everywhere it can be used! Especially in my new career as a Plumber
Further study: University
where and what: Holmesglen Institute of Technology and Bachelor of Business (Accounting)
"I was doing renovations on a property I owned and I just had this moment of wanting to do something with my hands. Getting outside, learning again and pushing the boundaries."
the inside scoop…
What does an Apprentice Plumber actually do? We run water and gas to properties. Fit off tapware, baths, showers, toilets. Put roofs on, gutters and downpipes. We dig trenches for storm water and sewer pvc to houses, apartments, multiple level buildings and so much more!
What does a day in your life at work look like? Waking up is still the hardest part! Haha early starts! We rock up on site, pull out all our tools from our utes, trailers or cars. Plan out our day, (a lot of reading plans and working out how we are running pipes or water lines). We drill through studs or noggins to get the pipe work to where we need it. Solve ways to get around metal work, windows, doors or skylights.
What's the best part of your job? My favourite part is learning to do something with your hands and learning a trade that can help your friends and family!
What made you realise construction could be for you? My biggest moment was when I was actually in a really good career in retail management. I was kicking all my goals in this career, I got selected to open a brand new multi million dollar shop and having the privilege to start a whole new management structure that Coles was preparing to move over to. I was happy but I knew something was missing. Because it wasn’t my dream and I knew it wasn’t. My next step was to be a store manager and I just knew deep down it wasn’t what I wanted. I was doing renovations on a property I owned and I just had this moment of wanting to do something with my hands. Getting outside, learning again and pushing the boundaries. That’s when I saw a brochure for women in plumbing and then found a program from EWIT to help women into the trade. And I never looked back after I started my apprenticeship.
What would you tell your high school self about working in construction? It’s the best job you could ever do. If you’re scared, just take a deep breath and just do it. You won’t regret it.
Tell us about a favourite project you're working on. I’ve worked on high end new builds. Worked on houses with million dollar views, beautiful sky lights, massive pools and soon to be working on a property with a basketball court in the basement!
Who has inspired you in your career? Myself. Honestly. I inspire myself everyday. You get thrown into a male dominated environment and I’m still pushing my own boundaries! I make mistakes, but keep going. I learn from them instead of letting them get me down. Some days you have to be your own hero to keep going.
Kira is open to engaging further via: Speaking at a high school
If you'd like to enquire more, please fill out the form below with the subject name: "Kira Wetzel" and we'll pass your message on.
