After years of repression and being told they couldn’t do things, simply because of their gender, women are breaking away from the status quo and are putting themselves in classically male-dominated industries. The electric field is typically dominated by men and always has been; however, as women are finally able to explore careers they may not have 50-100 years ago, more and more are building their careers as electricians.
How to Become a Woman Electrician in a Male-dominated Industry
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in women electricians; thus lessening the gender diversity gap in the electrical field. However, the electric field is still predominantly males…
Are you a woman considering a career in the electrical field? Or are you a female that wants to learn more about becoming an electrician but don’t know where to turn for more information? Not to worry, this post will briefly detail what you need to know about becoming a woman electrician.
You Must be Confident as a Woman Apprentice
Both men and women will have to complete an apprenticeship before becoming a certified electrician. Before you begin your apprenticeship, you should know that a majority of the people you are going to be completing your apprenticeship with will be male. For some women, working in a male-dominated environment can be uncomfortable; however, if you want to be a successful woman electrician, you will need to be confident while completing your apprenticeship.
Some women tend to feel intimidated when they are surrounded by men; though this should not be the case. Women electricians should assert themselves early on in their careers, such as during their apprenticeship, and prove that they can do just as much as their male counterparts.
Be Sure to Know What to Expect
It’s important that all women electricians know what to expect. You will be the minority when it comes to genders in the field. Likewise, you should also know that because they are typically smaller than men, it’s probable that they will be asked to perform electrical jobs that take place in smaller/tighter areas. Women will be asked to work in these small environments because it will be easier for them to get in and out of than it will be for a full-grown man. Here are some other issues that female electricians should expect and put to a stop right away:
- Male co-workers offering to help
- Favoritism by male co-workers
- Rude remarks about gender
If a woman electrician has tried to put a stop to these issues, and they are not stopping, she should seek help from management.
Basic Criteria You Need to Become a Woman Electrician
Finally, it’s important that women aspiring to be electricians know the basic criteria of what they need to achieve this career goal. This list is not unique to women; all people that want to be an electrician will need these things. Similarly, whether you are an electrician in Moorestown or Manhattan, you will also need to meet basic criteria. Here is a shortlist of those criteria:
- You’re at least 18 years old
- You have a high school diploma or a GED
- You do not have a criminal record
- You have passed at least a one-year-long algebra course
- You have a valid driver’s license from the state where your apprenticeship program was completed
Thrive as a woman Electrician
If you are a woman and are considering a career in the electrical field, keep this post in mind and do your best to stand out and grow as an electrician. Electricians are important, and will always be needed, with that being said, you have the potential to truly grow and thrive in your career, and make it less of a male-dominated field.
About the Author
Jennifer Bell is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey. She is currently working and writing for Prime, an Electrician in Moorestown.
