P30-31 Women in Electrics:Layout 1 26/05/2021 15:34 Page 31 Interview
Brett: What’s the most rewarding part of your job? Amy: The most rewarding part has been doing a job that I love. I’ve worked really hard from the outset and built on my initial decision to invest in myself with retraining by investing in tools and a van to super charge my career. I’ve recently been promoted to contracts manager at the company I work for, Synergy Smart Homes, and I’m managing a team of four electricians. That’s the biggest reward of all, to have my skills and hard work recognised and progress in my career with a company that trusts me to do a great job.
Brett: What about financial rewards, do you think there’s a gender pay gap in the electrical sector?
Amy: It’s always difficult to know if you’re being paid the same as male colleagues because you don’t necessarily know what rate everyone is on. Early in my career, I was earning the same as colleagues who were younger and less experienced than me, and in my last job I earned less than a colleague despite being faster than him. My response was to look for another job where I would be paid fairly and I took my skills and experience with me. Now I’m working for a company that has rewarded me with the salary I deserve and opportunities to rise up the career ladder that match my skills and work ethic.
Brett: How important has the Ideal Industries sponsorship been to you?
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. I’m excited to see where the relationship with Ideal will go and it’s great to know that the company is getting behind the need to encourage more women in the sector.
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. That’s why I am so active on social media. Companies can help by putting women on their website and in the marketing materials so that the idea of women working as electricians becomes a normal, accepted career choice.
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 fantastic when I’m contacted by women who just need a role model to help them believe in themselves and follow their dream. I didn’t set out to be the poster girl for women in electrics but, if my profile helps to encourage others, I’m delighted to be part of positive change.
Brett: What would your advice be to other women who want to work in the electrical sector?
Amy: I would definitely tell them to go for it! I love my job and have already progressed beyond where I anticipated in my career, but I can see more potential for career development ahead. 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, and I was so taken aback by how hostile some of my colleagues were to having a woman on the team that I didn’t respond in the way that would have earned me more respect and acceptance a lot sooner. The other advice I would give anyone, male or female, is to invest in your career development for the long term. Work hard, get as much experience as you can by working in different environments and with different people that you can learn from. 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!
ewnews.co.uk
June 2021 electrical wholesaler | 31
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