‘You can’t be what you can’t see’: Profiles of women in the electrical industry

Three women from Milton Keynes-based contractor SJD Electrical share their stories, debunk various myths about women in the workforce, and reveal the most rewarding and challenging aspects of an electrotechnical career.

Tell us about your career path – what drew you to the industry?

Ruth Devine, Managing Director 

I had a comfortable job working in supply chain management for a global manufacturer. While on maternity leave, I helped my father with his electrical business to help keep my brain active. The more I helped, the more work came in, so in 2006 I took the plunge and joined my Dad. In fifteen years, sales have grown from £150k to over £3m, with rapid growth in the last few years. 

Tash, electrician 

I started working alongside a team of electricians testing electrical installations at a holiday park. That’s when I realised I had a keen interest in electrics. I asked my manager if I could start an electrical apprenticeship, and he started me on the way to achieving my goal of becoming a fully trained electrical engineer.

Tara, electrician 

When I finished my GCSEs, I was not looking forward to another two years sitting in a classroom. I saw an advert for an electrical apprenticeship and undertook a trial week. After a couple of days, I realised this was the career for me. Every project is different and you are continually tested, both physically and mentally.

How can we encourage more women into the electrotechnical sector?

Ruth

TESP’s Industry into Education campaign is working on showcasing multiple ways to support educators, inspire students and get involved. Even an hour once a year can make a difference.  

Employers need to provide opportunities for children to understand more about industry careers –particularly trade, technical and engineering careers - to smash gender stereotypes and change the perceptions of teachers and parents. 

Tash

Talks and workshops in secondary schools can show young girls that there are women out there making a success of working in this sector. And, more electrical and other trades should open work experience placements to girls.

What advice would you give to a school leaver thinking about getting into this sector? What about someone looking to make a career switch?

Ruth

The Electrical Careers website is a great place to start, whether you’re a school leaver or already working in another field. There are so many different possibilities and plenty of potential for progression. Find a business that fits with your values and that will support your development. 

Tash

Don’t let anyone tell you that you can't do it! If the men can do it, so can we! It can be daunting when you first start, but overall, I love being an electrician – it's so worth it.

Tara 

People will sometimes treat you differently, and there will be people who think you shouldn’t be there, no matter how capable you are. The best way to succeed is to stand on your own two feet but know when to ask for help and advice when you need it. 

Is there anyone you’ve met along the way who inspired you in your career?

Tash

I joined a Facebook group called Open Circuit, which is full of female electricians from across England. I couldn't believe there were nearly 300 members! The group was so supportive and gave me the confidence to get through my apprenticeship.

Tara

All the people I met along my journey have helped or inspired me in different ways. My older colleagues were welcoming and willing to guide me. Once they realised I’m willing to learn and stubbornly want to do my job to the best of my ability, and want to be treated as an equal to my male colleagues, they were more than happy to help me out and show me the tricks of the trade.

What was the biggest obstacle you faced as a woman in the industry?

Tash
 Some men still can’t accept that there are women doing a job which has been predominately male for decades, but it helps to ‘give as good as you get’. If men can do it, why can’t we?

Tara

You sometimes come across clients who are very shocked to see a woman turn up and they question whether you can do your job or not. That can get quite tedious, quite quickly!

What’s the best part of your job?

Ruth

Seeing our team grow and develop, and the sense of satisfaction from winning and completing increasingly large, more challenging and technically complex MEP projects. And, of course, recruiting more excellent female electricians! 

Tash

All of it! I love being given new tasks to accomplish and learning new things every day.

Tara

The best part of my work is the variety, being out and about in different places every day, the weird and wonderful people you come across and the sense of achievement when walking away from a successful job!