Female Plumbers & Pipefitters 562 member featured in national UA recruiting video

By SHERI GASSAWAY
Correspondent

Lexi Knapp, an apprentice at Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562, has been showcased in a United Association (UA) recruitment video about women finding success in essential careers with the union.

Knapp, who joined Local 562 in 2016, is one of 96 women in her union. She’s a third-generation member following in the footsteps of her uncle’s father and her father, Steve Knapp, a 40-year Local 562 member.

In the two-minute video, she shares her journey as a tradeswoman in the piping industry and the personal growth and economic independence the career has provided for her. She encourages other women to seek careers in the industry and offers to show them the way.

CONFIDENCE, EMPOWERMENT
“My job has allowed me to find my inner confidence as a woman,” she says in the video. “I can do anything I want – that is empowerment. If you really want to make some money and have something to look forward to when it’s time to retire, follow me, I’ll show you.”

Local 562 Business Manager John O’Mara said Knapp attended the 2019 Tradeswomen Build Nations Conference in Minneapolis. She also went to an event sponsored by the UA for female members of the union while there.

ENERGY, PASSION FOR HER WORK
“They took a liking to her and thought she’d be a good candidate for the video,” he said. “It was a great video. She did a nice job of sharing how her career has changed her life while also showing her energy and passion for her work.”

The UA also interviewed Knapp’s father Steve for the video who was beaming with pride. She shared a photo of her dad holding her when she was an infant while she was wearing his Local 562 hat.

“I bet he didn’t think I’d be wearing one to the job site one day,” she said.

Knapp said she enjoys the problem-solving aspect of the job and learns something new every day.

“It really gives me a sense of fulfillment to see what I achieved at the end of the day,” she said. “You can do anything you put your mind to.”

Steve Knapp explained that the opportunities in the trade are unlimited if you apply yourself.

“I’m going to be retiring, and this young lady here is our future,” he said. “I’m so proud of her, it’s beyond words.”

To watch the video, visit https://youtu.be/mEyOGQmxtAw.

ABOUT THE UA
The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada represents approximately 355,000 plumbers, pipefitters, sprinkler fitters, service technicians and welders in local unions across North America. For more information, visit ua.org.