• • • INDUSTRY COMMENT • • •
MEET THE ELECTRICIAN INSPIRING MORE WOMEN INTO THE INDUSTRY
Brett Smyth, general manager of Ideal Industries EMEA, the specialist in tools and accessories for the electrical installation sector, discusses the challenges of attracting more women into the industry and interviews Amy Barratt-Singh, an electrician the company is sponsoring
working in the UK at the moment; a tiny proportion of the trade. At a time when we need to boost the number of skilled electricians to enable the roll out of electrical vehicle infrastructure, renewables technologies and smart buildings, The statistic is indicative of a key challenge the industry faces. If we need more electricians but most of the sector’s new recruits are being drawn from just half of the population – the male half – we’re missing a trick. And, unfortunately, the challenge is founded on a chicken and egg conundrum: with so few women working as electricians, the next generation of potential female professionals often perceive electrical installation as a male preserve. That’s why, when we came across Amy Barratt-
W
Singh, a women who retrained as an electrician – at her own expense – just four years ago, we were so impressed with her that we offered her both samples of our products and an offer a sponsorship. Why? Because she is exactly the type of electrician the industry needs to inspire the next generation of professionals. I caught up with her to find out more about her story so far. Brett: What made you want to become an electrician? Amy: My grandad was a plumber and, as a kid, I loved helping him do jobs and developed an enjoyment for learning practical skills. My two brothers grew up to be electricians but, as a girl, I was never encouraged in that direction at school or at home. It was only when I went travelling that I gained the confidence to go for it. Brett: Were your friends and family supportive of your choice? Amy: My mum was really encouraging and my
20 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • MAY 2021
omen make up just 3% electricians
Brett: What else do you think electrical supply chain companies can do to encourage more women into the sector? Amy: The best way to encourage more women into the industry is to show women and girls images of people like them doing the job. Companies can help by putting women on their website and in the marketing materials. Brett: Why did you start your YouTube channel? Amy: I started the YouTube channel and my Instagram to encourage other women to work as electricians and in the trades. I’m really proud to be inspiring others and it’s so rewarding when I’m contacted by women who just need a role model to help them believe in themselves. Brett: What would your advice be to other women who want to work in the
female friends were very supportive because they knew I really wanted it. Brett: What did you find most challenging about training as an electrician? Amy: Getting people to take me seriously was quite challenging at first and, because I had bills to pay, despite being in college 25 hours a week, I was working as many hours as I could to pay for my course and my living expenses too. Brett: And the most rewarding? Amy: The most rewarding part has been doing a job that I love! Brett: How important has the Ideal Industries sponsorship been to you? Amy: It’s great to have a globally-recognised electrical brand support me and acknowledge what I’m doing to encourage others. I’ve used a few of the products and love them, especially the FT-45 Feed Thru modular plug system for data terminations, which I’ll be using a lot of now I’m working for a smart homes specialist, Synergy Smart Homes. It’s great to know that the company is getting behind the need to encourage more women in the sector.
electrical sector? Amy: I would definitely tell them to go for it. I’d advise women to be confident, and committed to their goals, though. I wish I’d been tougher in my first job as an electrician because I did encounter some prejudice. The other advice I would give anyone, male or female, is to get as much experience as you can by working in different environments. And, of course, if an opportunity comes your way, whether it’s sponsorship from a company like Ideal, a chance to learn a new skill or a promotion, grab it with both hands!
LET’S PICK UP THE PACE
With role models like Amy inspiring a new genera- tion of potential electricians, it seems that the indus- try is making progress in attracting more women. Ideal Industries is keen to play a part in driving posi- tive change too so that we can nurture talent and en- courage a more diverse profession.
IDEAL INDUSTRIES
idealindustries.com
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
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