Andrea Durdle of Camosun College: From Culinary to Pipe Trades
Take a break, we’re on Smoko. This week, I sat down with Andrea Durdle, an instructor in the Plumbing and Pipe Trades program at Camosun College’s School of Trades and Technology. A Red Seal plumber and advocate for women in trades, Andrea shares her remarkable journey from working in culinary arts to finding her calling in the trades.
Andrea talks about the moment she realized plumbing was the right path and how it transformed her life. Now teaching in the very classrooms where she once trained, she reflects on the power of mentorship, representation, and community support in helping more women thrive in Red Seal careers.
“A leap into the unknown led me to a career I couldn't have imagined.” – Andrea Durdle
We explore Andrea’s transition from student to instructor and the satisfaction she finds in guiding others through their own career pivots. She discusses her involvement in Camosun’s Women in Trades Training program, where she’s working to boost retention and create safer, more welcoming environments for women entering the industry.
Andrea addresses the cultural barriers that persist in trades and shares how continued learning, certification, and exposure to renewable technologies are shaping the future of her field. From shifting industry norms to emphasizing lifelong learning, her perspective is both grounded and visionary.
This conversation is packed with firsthand insights, hard-earned wisdom, and a clear call for a more inclusive, empowered trades workforce. Whether you're curious about plumbing, education, or how to lead change from within, Andrea’s story is full of inspiration.
Connect with Andrea Durdle
Learn More About Camosun College
Women in Trades Training
Camosun Empowering Women in Trades