Female gas fitter enjoys life in a man's world (From Northwich Guardian)

Female gas fitter enjoys life in a man's world

5:30pm Thursday 2nd September 2010 in

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A WOMAN has proved she has what it takes to succeed in a man’s world after reaching the final 20 of a BBC competition.

Hollie Webb, from Barnton, has worked as a gas fitter for Weaver Vale Housing Trust for five years and was one of only two women to make the top 20 of BBC3’s Young Plumber of the Year competition.

The 24-year-old, who was entered into the contest by her bosses, admits she was relieved not to make it any further than she did.

“I didn’t get through but I’m glad to be honest, it was proper stressful,” she said.

“I did the challenge they set but the judge, who has a big plumbing company in London, just didn’t take to me at all, I don’t know if that’s because I’m female or not.

“It could have been because of that I didn’t go through or because they wanted a plumber and I’m a gas fitter.”

She added: “I was relieved because in the next round the programme would be more focussed on you and if you did something wrong they would rip you to pieces.”

Hollie, of Runcorn Road, will feature in the programme when it airs in November after she was whittled down to the final 20 from 130 applicants.

The former Weaverham High School student, who also studied art at London Road, served her apprenticeship with Weaver Vale Housing Trust.

But even after five years, her job still raises a few eyebrows.

“When I knock on people’s doors and say ‘I’ve come to look at your boiler’, they’re like ‘you what?’ but people love it,” she said.

“I get comments all the time.

“I’ve proved all the doubters wrong.”

Graham Roberts, director of property services for the trust, said: “I and all of Hollie’s colleagues at the trust are proud of her efforts in getting so far in the competition.

“She is a valued member of our team and I’m sure she has a long and successful career ahead of her.”