Jennifer Scarah is the Branch Manager for City Plumbing Hull Sutton Fields PTS, part of City Plumbing.
She was promoted to Assistant Branch Manager, did an apprenticeship, and was then promoted again to Branch Manager – all within the last few years! Jennifer is a great example of female career progression in a male-dominated industry, with the help of an apprenticeship.
Jennifer reflects on her progression to branch manager, which started with an apprenticeship: “My journey from admin to Branch Manager astounds me. I still wake up pinching myself that not only others had faith in me but I had faith in my abilities. I have learnt from some great colleagues who know who they are.”
“My journey during and since the apprenticeship has helped guide me to the manager I am today. I have learnt that listening and communication are a massive part of your career.”
The apprenticeship allowed Jennifer to discover her best qualities: “I feel very different in myself since the apprenticeship as it taught me to step back and realise that not one person is the same. We all work differently and communicate differently. Being yourself and honest will get you far in your career. Take advice and support to be able to be the best you can be. An apprenticeship will bring out the best in you as a person, colleague and as a leader. It’s tough but so rewarding.”
What do you enjoy most about your role?
Jennifer has several things which make her role great: “Not one day is the same and if it is I welcome it with open arms as a variety within your day be it banter or a customer always breaks it down. My team are amazing and support each other along with supporting me. They understand when I need help and in return I will help my employees when they need assistance.”
“We are one team with one purpose to make Hull Sutton Fields a success. I enjoy the variety of people management along with ensuring I have a dabble in stock, showroom etc. As a branch manager, the role is very varied with tasks that I have to delegate to ensure the branch is successful as that is one thing you learn along the way you can’t do it all yourself.”
Jennifer found her role by chance after applying for part-time work: “I originally interviewed for a 6-month part-time contract covering maternity leave doing admin work. I was nervous at first because it was something new while I was trying to get back into the work environment after being on maternity leave myself with another company. I only wanted part-time and something to keep me busy while my children were settling into nursery life and for me to find my feet in my career.”
Jennifer was apprehensive at first when joining the industry, but has now found inclusivity and safety to be herself: “I was extremely nervous about entering a male-dominated industry of plumbing and heating. It was mainly men in the branch and it was so weird how I felt like I fitted in. I soon found my feet with banter in the branch and found I was excited about coming to work and being able to be myself.
“I used to joke that coming to work was my social life as no one was calling me mum. I have seen quite a bit of change during my time with the company, one being more women branch managers and females within the industry. There is an acceptance of equal opportunities regardless of gender.”
Her advice for other women thinking about finding a role or apprenticeship in the industry is: “Go for it, it could change your life. There is a panic that I have no knowledge of plumbing and heating or have very little knowledge. You will pick it up as you go along. No one can know everything and learning is a great skill to have. If you are willing to learn then this industry could be the one for you.”
“I am learning all the time from my colleagues and I wouldn’t be anywhere else. When you think you can’t take your career any further then you could be mistaken there are so many opportunities that are always popping up you just have to be brave enough to realise that the road to success is not straight.”
