Harmony Pearce will head to Hamilton on Wednesday to compete against nine other plumbers with over eight years of experience from throughout New Zealand to complete a range of plumbing-related tasks.
The 25-year-old started plumbing four years ago, looking for a change from her career as a cook.
She began her apprenticeship at DBC Building Services and finished it at Adams Plumbing this year, where she works as a fully qualified plumber.
Her excitement to be the southern representative at the national final was immense, as it was something she never thought she would achieve.
As the only woman to qualify, she admitted it would be "great" to see more make it in the future.
"It’s definitely a good trade to get into. Nothing worse than having the same day over and over.
"No day [plumbing] is ever the same for me."
Her preparation for the final involved getting up and going for a day on the tools, she said.
"I prepare for it every day.
"It’s just work, at the end of the day."
The first day of the final would involve a theory test.
Organisers had not let competitors know what would be happening on the second day to keep the finalists from preparing too much, she said.
This year’s winners will receive a share of $70,000 worth of prizes.
Plumbing World chief executive Rob Kidd said the competition was about more than prizes.
"While we want this competition to encourage young plumbers to participate to develop their skills, we also hope it helps encourage budding tradespeople to get into plumbing."
