A significant movement is taking root in the world of skilled trades, dedicated to empowering women in industries traditionally dominated by men.
At the heart of this movement is Women in Plumbing and Piping (WiPP), an organization dedicated to empowering women in these fields. In a recent appearance on Oatey’s “The Fix” podcast, which highlights organizations and individuals who are helping grow the trades talent pipeline, Lori Tschohl, co-founder of WiPP, shared the organization’s vision and the critical role brands like Oatey play in fostering this change.
Lori Tschohl
Co-Founder, Women in Plumbing and Piping (WiPP)
Broadening horizons and breaking barriers
Increasing women’s presence in skilled trades is not just a social imperative but a business necessity. The industry faces a significant talent shortage, and tapping into a diverse pool of candidates can help address this gap. WiPP’s efforts to place women onstage at championship events, like the Elite Trades Championship Series, and in prominent roles within the industry aim to normalize their presence and showcase their capabilities, encouraging more women to join the sector.
“When you have a woman up onstage at the Elite Championship and all the women are there cheering her on, that makes a difference,” Tschohl said. “These visible successes can foster a sense of belonging and aspiration among newcomers, reinforcing the idea that skilled trades offer fulfilling and lucrative career paths for women.
Mentorship also plays a pivotal role in WiPP’s strategy, and Tschohl emphasizes the need for approachable, dependable mentors. “If I’m under a sink and I can’t figure something out, I’m going to call my buddy,” she said. “These women have to be able to feel that same way — that they can call someone and not feel like this is a dumb question. Whenever they walk into a room, they need to see a face they can gravitate to.”
Brands as catalysts for change
Oatey, an industry-leading provider of plumbing products and a founding sponsor of WiPP, epitomizes the critical influence brands can have on increasing women’s participation in the skilled trades. The company’s dedication to backing initiatives that create accessible spaces for women demonstrates its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion.
Oatey’s mission aligns seamlessly with WiPP’s values, focusing on mentoring, networking, educating, and recognition. In 2022, Oatey launched their podcast “The Fix” which has since turned into a broader initiative that aims to shed light on the significance of the skilled trades and elevate the voices of thought leaders and influential organizations that share a commitment to education, inspiring, and empowering the next generation of trade professionals.
Katherine Lehtinen
Senior Vice President of Marketing, Oatey; Co-Host, “The Fix” Podcast
“Each episode of ‘The Fix’ is much more than a conversation — it’s a connection and a commitment from Oatey to take action in supporting the pipeline of skilled trades talent,” says Katherine Lehtinen, senior vice president of marketing at Oatey and co-host of “The Fix.” “We are very intentional in following up with each of our guests to explore further partnerships, such as financial contributions, training support, in-person collaborations, and beyond.”
In addition to financially supporting organizations that advance the trades, such as WiPP, the Oatey team frequently participates in-person events to carry the conversion forward with young people and women looking to pursue careers in the trades.
For example, Oatey is heavily involved with the She Built Foundation, whose children’s book “The House That She Built” has inspired a Girl Scouts patch, and Oatey often hosts area Girl Scout troops at its training center to complete required badge activities. In addition, Oatey regularly exhibits at industry events — like Build My Future and The Big Build — that showcase careers in the trades to young people around the country.
By providing resources and platforms for women in the trades to connect and grow, both WiPP and Oatey aim to dismantle barriers and create a more inclusive skilled trades environment.
For women considering a career in piping and plumbing, the future is promising. With the backing of strong communities like WiPP and supportive brands like Oatey, the way is paved for women in the trades to break barriers and thrive.
To learn more about Oatey and Women in Plumbing and Plumbing, visit www.oatey.com and www.womeninplumbandpipe.org/
