Women in Plumbing Profile: Amy Hutchinson

Who are you? Amy Hutchinson

How old are you? 27

Current qualification/level: 2nd Year Apprentice with Tullamarine Plumbing and Drainage

What got you interested in plumbing? As all the guys in my family are plumbers, I toyed with the idea of becoming one myself for years. Initially I listened to those around me who talked me out of it, but as I got older I realised I can literally do anything so I just went for it!

What were you doing before plumbing? Before plumbing I was in the pursuit of finding a career that I felt passionate about. I spent a few years travelling the world and living in different states around Australia. I had just completed a chef apprenticeship in Byron before realising that wasn’t for me and decided it was finally time to put the boots on and give it a go.

Where do you want to go with plumbing? I aim to one day own a plumbing business with an environment where people love to come to work.

What do you think of the Women in Plumbing program, and Certificate 2 course? To me this is an incredibly important program to reinforce that people of any gender actually do have the freedom to do anything they want to. It’s one thing to talk about helping women but it’s another to actually do it and the girls have created a community where we are all encouraging and supporting each other no matter what stage of your career you’re at. If plumbing has been something you’ve ever considered now is the time to go for it. This is such an epic program that really emulates the ways the industry is changing and I’m so excited to be apart of it!

Do you have any advice for women/girls out there thinking about getting into plumbing? Don’t let your fear of looking stupid hold you back from anything. Question everything, ask for help when you need it, continue to grow and learn and most of all, don’t take it all too serious. Work hard but make sure you’re laughing and having fun too.