Please tell us about what you do on a day-to-day basis.
I spend my mornings catching up on emails and responding to any work enquires before heading off to my first job of the day, but every day is completely different, a new client, a new property, a new challenge! It's exciting but you always have to be prepared for the unexpected. Some days we are testing and inspecting the electrical installation of a property, or we could be upgrading consumer units, installing new sockets or replacing old lights for new beautiful ones!
How did you get into your line of work?
I had worked in administration roles within the NHS for years and at 28 decided I needed a change. I wanted something practical but still challenging. My father’s a building contractor and suggested getting into the trades, electrical engineering sounded like something that would be hands-on every day as well as challenging to keep me on my toes! I absolutely love it and have never looked back!
What qualifications are required?
You will be required to complete an NVQ, or City & Guilds 2365 or similar with City & Guilds 2382 Certificate in 17th edition Wiring Regulations. If you know you want to work as a Domestic Installer and not commercial there are courses that cater for that too!
What kind of person would this suit?
A dedicated person, not afraid of getting dirty or a hard day’s work!
Are there any challenges involved that people should be aware of?
Electrical work can be unpredictable at times, a job that normally takes an hour can sometimes take two depending on what you uncover when you lift someone's floorboards or start testing their electrical circuits. Days can be long, but on a good day, you can finish earlier than planned too!
Emergencies come along often which can mean unexpected working hours. And if you're working at a property and come across a dangerous situation the responsibility of making it safe becomes yours as an unsafe situation can lead to fatalities or serious harm.
What are the best parts of your job/most enjoyable aspects?
Meeting new people every day and hearing their stories. Installation work, it's physically demanding but very rewarding helping someone put their dream home into reality!
Fault finding and problem-solving, it feels amazing when you unravel a difficult fault and get everything up and running again!
What advice would you give to those who are embarking upon their electrotechnical careers?
Get some work experience with an established electrician so you can be sure it's what you expected, or something you want to do. Don't give up when looking for an apprenticeship programme or a trainee position, it took me 18 months and now I'm running my own business and providing practical training to other women!
What advice would you give to those who are embarking upon their electrotechnical careers?
Get some work experience with an established electrician so you can be sure it's what you expected, or something you want to do. Don't give up when looking for an apprenticeship programme or a trainee position, it took me 18 months and now I'm running my own business and providing practical training to other women!
Are there any skill gaps at the moment, which more young electricians should aim to fill?
Inspection & Testing, I find many electricians bypass information and not do a thorough job when performing installation condition reports, and with laws becoming stricter for landlords in this country there is a high demand for having Electrical Installation Condition Reports done on rented properties, which will only continue to rise.
Do you face any challenges being a woman working in a predominantly male industry?
I've been lucky enough not to have been faced with any negativity from people or tradesmen during my time as an electrician but being assertive, confident and straightforward in what you expect and how you deliver on-site helps. It also helps if you're not easily offended as jokes on-site can at times get a bit garish! I don't feel like I have to work twice as hard to gain respect from other tradesmen, just having the sound technical knowledge and being competent in what you do does that for you!
Do you have any tips or advice for women entering the industry?
Don't give up, it is hard, physically and mentally but it's worth it! The job satisfaction is great. Your body will get used to the physical side of things, and as you complete your training your knowledge will grow and things will start becoming second nature to you.
Try to find a well-respected and reputable electrician to get some work experience and practical training with, it's important to learn all the things they don't get to teach you on the courses. And above all, enjoy it!!
I'm happy to answer any questions if you want to get in touch!
