As we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), NICEIC, the UK’s leading name for registered electricians, is encouraging more women to consider a career within the electrical industry.
The theme for IWD 2023 is #EmbraceEquity and aims to get the world talking about how equal opportunities are no longer enough if we are to provide everyone, no matter their circumstances, with the opportunities to reach an equal outcome.
With only 16.3% female engineers in the industry, we caught up with two NICEIC area assessors and discussed the challenges they have faced to gain a better understanding of what it’s like to be a woman in this sector.
Joining the industry after a career change, Lisa comments on her journey so far: “I was on the lookout for a career that challenged me and upped my skillset. My friend told me that he was training to become an electrician. After some self-doubt, thinking women do not tend to go for that sort of career, I was encouraged to go for it. It ended up being the best advice I ever followed.
“Now here I am, years later, with a Student of the Year Award tucked under my belt, alongside a whole host of inspection and installation experience that led me to my role now assessing other contractors.”
Louise, however, always had her eye on becoming an electrician after completing work experience that led to a four-year electrical apprenticeship with a NICEIC approved contractor.
Louise explained: “I’ve always enjoyed the technical aspect of the job as I see myself as a hands-on type of person. I was never really suited to sitting in an office all day. In this role, no two days are the same as I take on a wide variety of work which has given me a wealth of experience in the industry.
When asked about the barriers to women entering the industry, Lisa adds: “I do think women are nervous to enter such a male-dominated environment. Sometimes as women, we feel as though we aren’t physically built for this type of work; but there are always ways to work around this, such as having the correct tools or working as a team when it comes to heavier work.”
Louise continues: “The industry can seem intimidatingbut times are changing; and I only saw that as more motivation to rise through the ranks. Before I knew it, I was in an electrical management role.”
NICEIC is committed to encouraging more women to join the electrical sector and challenging the perception that the industry is traditionally for men. Although there has been a recent rise in women realising the benefits of a hands-on career, such as an engineer, there is always more room to break down gender barriers.
Lisa says: “NIECIC is all about creating a working culture that encourages inclusivity and celebrates people’s individuality whilst treating everyone in the same, fair manner.”
Louise adds: “Throughout my career, I have always regarded NICEIC as the leading electrical body that promotes electrical safety and uphold standards. I have been with NICEIC for seven years and I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else.
“As an employer, the company is very supportive and encourages individual ambitions and always looks to drive standards. Attitudes have changed considerably across the sector since I began my apprenticeship. These days, all that matters is your ability to do the job – as it should be.”
International Women’s Day allows businesses to welcome and celebrate the achievements of women, especially in what is still seen as a male-oriented trade world. The electrical industry is calling to be more inclusive and appealing to women so that the younger generation of females can see it as a viable, exciting career option from the very beginning.
With renewable energy sources on the rise, electrical contractors are at the forefront of helping the UK to achieve net zero by 2050. The sector is crying out for highly motivated electricians; and with the introduction of so many new technologies, it’s an exciting time to get involved.
For more information, visit www.niceic.com.
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