Charmaine Warman
Southend-on-Sea supermum does it all
Holding down an office job, running around after two young boys and training to be a plumber is all in a day's work for supermum, Charmaine Warman. The 36-year-old, from Southend-on-Sea, is proving that you can do it all as she looks after her two sons, works as an admin assistant four days a week and trains to be a plumber.
Earlier this year the mother-of-two decided to take her life in a completely different direction by training in a new career. "I've been in my current job for 15 years and got divorced last year, which was a complete life change so I felt like I needed to do something more. I just fancied a change but never really knew what I wanted to do," she said. "Then in January someone came to do our bathroom at home and I thought, I can do that. I've always liked DIY and it was something I thought I could do."
The admin assistant decided to look into training to become a plumber and came across the website for New Career Skills, which offers training for adults who want to make a change and get into the construction industry. Ms Warman said: "Because I've got children and I work I needed something that would fit in with my spare time. Doing home study with New Career Skills meant I was able to keep working in my current job while training to become a plumber. Doing home study is the best option for me because it means I can fit my studies in around looking after the boys and working. Sometimes I find myself reading up while I'm cooking their dinner and then when they go to bed I'll do a bit more."
Ms Warman started her City and Guilds qualification in June and hopes to finish by next summer and go straight into plumbing. She said: "In my opinion there's a gap in the market for female plumbers because I think a lot of women would feel more comfortable with a female plumber turning up on their doorstep rather than a man. It's something that I've thought of as a mum so I'm hoping I can fill that gap. I think more and more women are getting into the trade too. I've had quite a few mixed reactions and although some older men have said that they don't think I can do it, younger men and women are more positive. My family and friends have been really supportive."
Ms Warman admitted that she relished the opportunity to push herself and achieve something new. She said: "I'm just one of those people who can't stand around and do nothing, I enjoy being busy and I work well under pressure. "My advice to anyone, male or female, who wants to take a new path is just to go for it. Think positive and as long as you have the right frame of mind there's nothing that can stop you."
Managing Director of New Career Skills, Trevor Dormedy, said: "I agree wholeheartedly with Charmaine and applaud her motivation and dedication. In these days of equal opportunities, diversity and choice, there is every reason for a woman to have a fulfilling and interesting career as a plumber. The majority of the people we see here at New Career Skills come to us for a career where they are in control. When you spend so much time at work – you might as well enjoy what you do!"
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