Siân Smith of Noble Corp. has announced the creation of a women’s network for members of the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH).

CIPH represents the interests of more than 250 member companies, with more than 20,000 employees across Canada. Members manufacture, sell and distribute plumbing, heating, hydronics, industrial PVF and waterworks products and services.

When it became clear that the industry as a whole reflected a highly unbalanced workforce in terms of gender representation, CIPH recognized the need for a women’s network to help with recruiting and promoting efforts.

"Over the last 17 years, I have learned so much from a wide group of talented colleagues and supply chain partners throughout the Plumbing and Heating Industry.  We are privileged to be part of an Industry that offers a vast range of opportunities to build rich and fulfilling careers for both men and women, and yet we continue to yield a highly unbalanced workforce in terms of gender representation and a tendency to stick to traditional recruiting and promoting patterns.  Our incredibly engaged Committee is proud to be launching the “CIPH Women’s Network,” which is intended to drive a new level of energy and commitment towards the growth and development of women in Plumbing and Heating across Canada. I encourage all CIPH member companies to support this new initiative and I can’t wait to start building a stronger community of women within our Industry!” 

The purpose of the CIPH Women’s Network is to support the professional development of women within Canada’s plumbing and heating industry, and to enhance member companies’ opportunities to attract, develop and retain more high-performing female employees. The Network will do this by offering a variety of programs and events to women employed by CIPH members, such as:

• Skills Development
• Industry Education & Training
• Professional & Personal Goal Achievement
• Networking events
• Mentorship
• Leadership opportunities within the Network and CIPH

The Committee members leading the Network are: Siân Smith (Noble Corp.) – Chair; Barbara O’Reilly (Rheem Canada Ltd) – Vice Chair; Mélanie Schwery (Bélanger-UPT); Ravi Beech (Valley Acrylic); Gail Kaufman (Wolseley Canada); and Heather Ferris (InSinkErator Canada).

“The initial response to the CIPH Women’s Network has been very exciting – we already have 98 members and the very first event for the group, taking place on March 1st is already sold out,” said Elizabeth McCullough, general manager of trade shows, CIPH.

Visit the website for up-to-date information.

Join the Network 

Email womensnetwork@ciph.com with questions.