The skilled trades – especially industries like bathroom fitting – have long been viewed as male only territory. But fortunately, that perception is starting to shift. More women are stepping into hands-on, technical roles and proving what should have been obvious all along; ability, work ethic, and professionalism aren’t gendered!
At Alan Heath & Sons, very we’re proud to be part of this change. Last year, we welcomed our very first female fitter, Shania, and her journey with us shows exactly why inclusion is so important, not just for individuals, but for businesses, customers, and the industry as a whole.
A shift that’s long overdue
The bathroom fitting trade has always been male dominated. For decades, that went unquestioned, not because women weren’t capable, but because society rarely encouraged them to step into roles like this. Outdated stereotypes, lack of awareness, and cultural expectations often stood in the way.
But times are changing. Apprenticeships and training opportunities are opening up to a wider group of people. And as employers, it’s up to us to make sure that when someone wants to learn and work hard, they feel supported, no matter who they are. And that’s exactly what happened with Shania.
Shania’s story: Our first female fitter
At just 24, Shania joined Alan Heath & Sons as our very first female fitter; a milestone for her, for us, and for the industry. She didn’t come to us with years of technical experience either.
She had previously worked with a couple of other bathroom fitters but was treated more like a gofer than someone eager to learn the trade. When she joined us, it was clear from the start that she had the ambition and work ethic to succeed, all she needed was the right opportunity and someone to believe in her potential.
Today, she’s driving the van, learning the ropes hands-on, and has even worked in the home of our company owner, a true sign of the trust she’s earned, even if it was just helping out with part of the cloakroom project.
Of course, some customers are surprised when a young woman arrives to fit their bathroom. That initial surprise quickly turns into respect when they see the quality of her work. More than once, customers have commented on how professional, skilled, and dedicated she is. Every bathroom she completes is more than a finished job, it’s a reminder to our customers (and the industry) that women absolutely belong in trades.
How we’ve adapted as a team
Bringing Shania on board hasn’t just been positive for her, it’s made us better as a company. Her presence has naturally encouraged us to be more thoughtful as a team. A simple example is that we changed the name of our fitter group chat to remove the word “lads.” It’s a small gesture, but a meaningful one that reflects a more inclusive culture.
The atmosphere hasn’t changed in terms of camaraderie, we’re still the same hardworking, banter-loving team we’ve always been. But there’s a new level of awareness and respect that’s made us stronger together. Shania, having grown up with brothers, takes the banter in stride, but her presence has reminded us all that inclusion matters. And the best part is these shifts haven’t taken anything away, they’ve only added to the positive culture we want for Alan Heath & Sons!
Why this matters for the industry
Beyond individual stories, the bigger picture is clear: bringing more women into trades is good for everyone.
Wider talent pool
With skill shortages across the industry, tapping into the other half of the population just makes sense. More talent means more capacity to meet growing demand.
Stronger company culture
Inclusion makes for healthier, more respectful workplaces, where teamwork thrives and individuals feel valued.
Better customer perception
Diverse teams reflect modern society. Customers notice when businesses move with the times, and they respect it.
Representation matters
When women see someone like Shania thriving in the trades, it inspires others to consider the path too. That’s how industries grow and evolve.
And it’s worth saying that hiring women goes way beyond just ticking boxes. It’s about finding people who want to work hard, learn, and grow. Shania wasn’t brought on just to make a statement, she was hired because she showed determination and potential. She’s earned her place, just like any great tradesperson should.
Final thoughts
At Alan Heath & Sons, we believe talent is talent. When someone is willing to work hard and get stuck in, it doesn’t matter if they’re male or female. What matters is the quality of the work and the attitude they bring to the team. The trades have always been about skill, trust, and professionalism. The more we open the door to people like Shania, the stronger our industry will be.
We’re proud of the team we’ve built and the bathrooms we build. Contact our friendly team and let’s create your dream bathroom!