The trade industry has long been considered a male-dominated field, with women facing barriers to entry and advancement. Despite a growing number of gender diversity initiatives in the industry, much work remains to be done to create a more equitable workforce that benefits both current and future generations. This is why GROHE, a leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, initiated its GIVE (GROHE Installer Vocational Training and Education) Program and continues their commitment to supporting initiatives and organisations encouraging promising industry talent.
Following success at the debut event in 2023, GIVE is proud to be the headline sponsor for the second year in a row of the Female Skills competition 2024 run by HIP, the UK’s only magazine dedicated to plumbing and heating students. The competition has been created to provide a dedicated space for enthusiastic females within an industry that is often associated and primarily represented by males, allowing contestants to showcase their skills and talent amongst comparable peers.
Kicking off next month, the Female skills competition 2024 will see up to 36 Level 2 and 3 female plumbing & heating learners of all ages, from colleges nationwide compete in three regional heats for a chance to get through to the grand finale.
The regional heats will take place on the 27th February at Bath College, 5th March at Leicester College and finally 7th March at Kirklees College, Huddersfield. The heats will consist of live practical installations to test the participants skills. The winner and runner-up top from each regional heat will go on to the finale at Stephenson College, Coalville on 18th April which will see the finalists take part in enhanced practical installations to showcase their skills further.
To support the winners and showcase GROHE’s appreciation to new industry talent, The GIVE Program Leader, Chis Penney, will attend the finale to handout prizes and congratulate the winners.
With its GIVE Program (GROHE Installer Vocational Training and Education), GROHE supports plumbing schools across the EMENA region with the training and education of aspiring young installers. GROHE enhances school facilities by setting up a fully functioning installer-training space with modern equipment and training material. After graduation, GROHE supports the students in gaining work experience or placements at GROHE partners. In the UK, a successful training facility of this kind has been running for several years with the Colchester Institute, with this blueprint being used internationally to provide skilled installers on a global scale.
