“This is the place where water and electricity mix” – WIT23 a great success
Posted by: electime 8th August 2023
This year Electrical Times were delighted to attend WIT23
The event, held on 4th July 2023, is the only national event held by and for tradeswomen. Hosted by WIT’s inspiring founder, Hattie Hasan MBE, WIT 23 is a completely unique and highly interactive event where tradeswomen and trainees can meet, talk and hear about each other’s lives and experiences.
Having been a professional plumber for over 30 years, Hattie originally founded the Women Installers Together conference (WIT) as a way to bring together other female plumbers. This year for the first time, the event was opened up to the electrical industry as well, with great success.
Hattie said: “This is the place where water and electric mix, because for the first time we’ve got sponsors from the electricity industry as well. We’ve got more sign ups, more people coming. It’s the biggest event yet.”
Creating a community
During the Round Table discussions, guests discussed the many issues faced by women in trades. Among the issues raised were equality, everyday sexism, ‘banter’ and imposter syndrome. The women were asked to discuss what resources they have found most useful when overcoming these obstacles and how they celebrate their professional achievements.
After lunch, professional explorer Sally Kettle was invited on to the stage to talk about resilience, facing fears and adapting to change. Sally was the first woman to row the Atlantic Ocean twice from East to West, and she has sailed, trekked and travelled to some of the most remote places in the world.
Speaking about WIT23, Sally said: “Having competed in male-dominated environments throughout my career, I understand how important it is for women to come together, share experiences and support each other. It’s a great initiative and I know it will create valued connections for tradeswomen working across the UK.
Later, during Five Minutes of Fame, tradeswomen were invited to the stage to talk about their careers and achievements. Speakers included Jo Rainford, a gas engineer who works at a housing association and has recently become a trustee for a new housing charity for women, and Karen Boom, founder of She’s Electric and project manager at Kensa Contracting.
It was absolutely fantastic to hear from all of the women who spoke during the day and the event offered a real insight into the ups and downs of being a women in trades.
On the day, guests were also able to take part in a fantastic raffle, as well as explore the sponsor stands that surrounded the conference space, including Monument Tools, Vaillant UK, Williams, Kohler/Mira, Aalberts/Pegler Yorkshire, Stopcor Limited, Adey, LCL Awards, Mark Vitow, JTL, Swale Heating, Anton/Crowcon, Fergus, Checkatrade, On The Tools, Kensa, City Plumbing, EFIXX, .
Speaking at the event, Hattie said: “There is a huge scene of talent that is not being used in this country. We’ve got a skills gap, and we are lacking males in this industry, as well as women.”
“When have a more equal balance of men and women in this industry, we can start to make this industry something that is aspirational.”
