Cop who stop to grow to be plasterer says folks do not take her critically as she’s so glam
Katy Humphreys worked as a police officer for nearly five years before deciding to learn how to plaster to save cash doing DIY work on her home. She now does the trade full time
Katy used to work in the police(Image: Kennedy News and Media)
A copper quit the force to become a female plasterer – but claims people don’t take her seriously as she’s so glam. Katy Humphreys worked as a police officer for nearly five years before deciding to learn the trade to save cash doing DIY work on her home.
The 26-year-old attended a £295 five-week plastering course, which saw her replaster her entire home in June 2025 herself, ‘saving thousands’. Katy decided to leave the police force in March 2026 to pursue the trade and claims she now earns more money, a figure she doesn’t wish to disclose.
It isn’t all plain sailing though as the tradie admits that people are surprised when they find out her profession due to her appearance. Katy said she likes to look glam, ensuring her hair and nails done, admitting she fits into the ‘blonde and blue eyes’ stereotype.
She started posting videos of her working online where many praised her skills, while others commented how to do her job ‘properly’. Despite some uninvited advice online, Katy is happier than ever and wants to encourage other women to go into the trades.
Katy, from Prestbury, Cheshire, said: “I was in the police for just over four-and-a-half years. Before that I was a primary school teacher. I follow my ambitions, if I have a burning desire to do something I will go and follow it, that takes a whole lot of confidence.
“Financially I’ve noticed a large positive change. I gave up policing and now do something I love, I’ve never loved anything as much. When I was in the police I bought my own house, which was a struggle on its own.
“I wanted to do renovation and everybody said ‘are you sure because you’ve never done any DIY before?’ I was sure I’d be able to do this.
“I thought, ‘what’s the worst that can happen?’ It’s relatively low risk and I looked at videos and thought, ‘I can do that’. When I tell people I’m a plasterer they’re initially shocked and then they think it’s brilliant.
“Especially with the nails and the hair, the stereotype I have going on is ‘blonde hair, blue eyes.’ But I love the fact I’ve got that edge and some people underestimate me and I prove them wrong.”
While Katy has received some negative reactions online, she claims being in the police has helped her have a thick skin. Katy said: “Men love it, they think it’s brilliant that I can do it.
“Comments are a mixed bag, some people are really supportive and interested in why I am doing it. You do get some people that like to say ‘you are doing it wrong’ or ‘you shouldn’t be doing it.’
“Being in the police I have thick skin and I just laugh it off. People have a higher standard when you say you are doing something yourself. Women are coming through and people need to get used to it and accept it. Women are fantastic and they are neater.
“Men are brilliant but there’s definitely a place for women in the trade, if I can do it then why can’t you?”
