Become a Female Electrician
The days when schools segregated girls into one classroom to learn cookery and needlework while boys got their woodwork and metal craft may be long gone, but if you’re a female electrician then you still have to fight to be seen as equal in your trade. As women continue to retrain and enter this male-dominated field, it’s important that they not only excel as trade professionals but also serve as role models for young people looking to follow in their footsteps.
Whether they’re installing office lighting or hooking up shipping containers at the port, many of these trailblazing women are becoming powerful role models, inspiring young people to pursue their own career paths and breaking down stereotypes along the way. They’re proving that there aren’t any limits to what women can achieve and encouraging other females to consider a future as an electrician.
Some of the women we spoke to had been working as female electricians for a while, while others were just starting out on their apprenticeship. They all agreed that being a female electrician in the field was both challenging and rewarding. While some of the women did experience sexism or prejudice, they all agreed that it was generally quite minor and that as long as they were competent and professional at their jobs, they were treated just like anyone else.
What Inspired You to Become a Female Electrician?
Another benefit of being a female electrician is the sense of camaraderie and community that exists on the job. Several women commented on how much the friendships they’d made with their fellow electricians were a major part of what inspired them to stay in the trade. Weik, a first-year apprentice who works for the IBEW Local 292, described how she’s become part of a large family that is there to support her and help her succeed.
As the world continues to grapple with skills shortages, it’s important that we encourage more people to choose careers in the skilled trades and that we work to remove barriers that prevent them from entering these fields. Increasing the number of female electricians will not only improve communication and collaboration on the job but could also help address labor shortages by tapping into a new pool of potential candidates.
If you’re interested in becoming a qualified electrician, there are plenty of options available to you. From apprenticeships to trade schools, vocational courses offer hands-on experience in a range of technical trades and are great for people who prefer to learn by doing. In Australia, we have a culture of small business and many local tradies are running their own companies in a range of different trades, including electrical contractors. The number of successful female electricians is growing, and we can’t wait to see more of them thriving in their careers. You can find more information about retraining to become a qualified electrician here.
