Arnold Schwarzenegger went from action hero to Californian governor, Richard Branson from band promoter to airline mogul and Paul Hogan transformed from bridge painter to prawn-cooking Aussie icon.

But few career deviations can quite match that of Kelly Discombe, of Waikiki, who has swapped pedicures for pipe wrenches.

From the high-end salons of Subiaco where she worked for years as a beautician, Kelly has completed a plumbing and gas fitting apprenticeship at Challenger Institute of Technology.

“My previous job encompassed all aspects of beauty, from waxing to makeup,” explained Kelly. “I wouldn't have dreamed of changing a tap washer back then.

“At that stage, the only manual labour I would attempt would be to pump my own fuel! How things have changed.”

The impetus for the life-changing career switch was when she and her partner, Steve, decided to knock down their house and rebuild. Very soon her acrylic nails were in work gloves and her polished toenails occupying a pair of steel-capped boots.

“I did not think I was capable of climbing into roof spaces, knocking over brickwork and driving a bobcat,” she said. “The experience increased not only my confidence but also my interest in different kinds of construction and installation.”

When the offer of an apprenticeship came her way from her plumber partner, Kelly jumped at the chance to take up an entirely new career.

“Challenger Institute was fantastic,” she said. “The plumbing and gas lecturers were thorough, supportive and the lessons were comfortable for people who’d had little exposure to the industry.

“They were skilled in teaching a class that included a range of ages as well as women.”

Working in the male dominated field has caused a few wry smiles.

“Other plumbers have been very accepting but some customers are still a little wary,” Kelly said.

“I quite often knock on a customer’s door only to have them look behind me for the ‘plumber bloke’. Some are sceptical but most are just surprised, then congratulate me on becoming a lady plumber.”

Kelly, a mother of five, said she would encourage more women to consider plumbing or gas fitting as a career option.

“Getting a trade can set you up for life, creating opportunities in domestic, industrial and mining,” she said.

“Doing this kind of work does not mean you have to give up being feminine. The only hard part is making the decision to go for it. The rest is easy.”

ENDS

Media contact:
Craig Francis
Communications Coordinator
9239 8301 / 0401 171 689
craig.francis@challenger.wa.edu.au