If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em... that’s the philosophy many women have when seeking a career in what were male-dominated trades.

Stacey Spencer is among an increasing group of women who are swapping traditional female roles to enter the once manly world of construction.

What sets the 25-year-old plumber apart from the rest is that she and her husband, Chris, are able to share the workload.

Such was the demand for his services when he launched C&S Spencer Heating and Plumbing in October 2007, that Chris encouraged Stacey to come and work for him.

Stacey was seeking something more challenging than the office work she was doing.

“It was my husband who said, ‘if you are going to change jobs, why not do something completely different?’,” she recalls.

Stacey joined the British Gas apprenticeship scheme and says being one of only two girls on a course with ten men was daunting at first.

“I remember one of the lads saying he didn’t think I was there for the apprenticeship – he thought I was one of the office staff, because they are not used to seeing women there,” she says.

“But you get used to the banter and give as much as you get. They look after you and, after a while, it’s like having a group of brothers.”

Stacey stayed with the company for a further three-and-a-half years after completing her 14-month apprenticeship.

In 2007, Chris, who was also working for British Gas, left to set up on his own. The following year, Stacey joined him. “He said you may as well work with me,” says Stacey.

The couple, from Cleckheaton, look after hundreds of domestic customers. Chris takes care of the installations and Stacey looks after the servicing and maintenance, but she says she often gets surprised looks from those who book the appointment with her, expecting her husband to turn up.

Organising the appointments does have its advantages, though. “We had a leaky toilet, so I sent him on that one!” she laughs.

While it now is more accepted to see a woman working in what was once a man’s role, Stacey believes women still feel they have to prove themselves.

“If I struggle on a job, I will battle on before I ring my other half,” she says.

Stacey loves a challenge – it’s the reason she chose plumbing as a profession. “It is intricate and it is problem-solving,” she explains.

She loves meeting people too. “I like working directly with customers. You get to know people quite well. One of the best parts is getting to know the customers,” she says.

Her greatest job satisfaction is showing she can do the work.

“You feel you have achieved something, because everybody is surprised to see you. You get a sense of achievement just by walking in the house as a female doing plumbing.”

Stacey advises other women who may be contemplating a dramatic career change to just do it.

“The apprenticeship was a good way to start. But if you are going to be working with lads, you have to toughen up because you do get some sarcasm. You have to get on with it.”

For further information about apprenticeships in plumbing, go to apprenticeships.org.uk.