KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
28th January 2021
We strongly recommend viewing KBzine full size in your web browser. Click our masthead above to visit our website version.
iKBBI welcomes first female member
The Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installers is delighted to announce that Pamella Edwards, of Plumbing Angel, became its first female member in December.
The former language teacher from East London, who gained her City & Guilds NVQ plumbing qualification in 2014, is set to add to her qualifications in 2015 when she completes her formal assessment for Gas Safe Registration.
When asked why she chose plumbing as a career, Pam said: "I get great satisfaction from transforming people's homes, adding a decorative touch to a practical space and utilising the many years of study.
"Unfortunately, the industry is riddled with rogue traders that prey on the vulnerable. Being female somehow engenders trust in the eyes of the customer. Female customers in particular seem to feel much safer when a female enters their home. Also speaking on behalf of myself, I can be a bit of a perfectionist because for me, it's not just about finishing a job quickly, but rather to finish a job perfectly."
We asked whether Pam would recommend the industry to other females: "One of the biggest criteria for success in any career is to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, it is no different in this industry. Never before has there been a better time for women to take hold of this industry and make a big success of it both financially as well as job satisfaction.
"But it will not be easy! You not only need to have a vision, but also a gritty determination, even in the face of disappointment, which you will most certainly experience sometimes. If you have those characteristics as a prerequisite, then I would definitely recommend it."
Pam's business Plumbing Angel offers bathroom installation, plumbing & heating services to her local community, both independently and through a new contract with iKBBI Installation Standards Partner Bathstore.
iKBBI Membership Manager Lynsey Easom says: "We're delighted to welcome our first female member and hope that Pam's accreditation will be the first of many in the future."
The Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installers is the UK's first and only government sanctioned and not-for-profit registered organisation dedicated to the kitchen, bedroom & bathroom installation industry. Full information about the iKBBI can be found at:
16th January 2015