WHAT INITIALLY DREW YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER AS A FEMALE ELECTRICIAN?

PURSUE A CAREER AS A FEMALE ELECTRICIAN

Historically, male-dominated fields like electrical work have been difficult for women to break into. Despite efforts to promote gender equality in the trades, these barriers still exist and discourage many women from pursuing careers as electricians. However, some women are bucking the trend and succeeding in this career. By overcoming challenges and serving as role models, these female electricians are helping to pave the way for future generations of women looking to enter the skilled trades.

Growing up, Tonya Hicks always enjoyed working on things. As a sophomore in college, she found a job cleaning up construction sites and noticed the electricians around her were constantly using math — calculating loads, panels and voltages. This was a “lightbulb moment” for her and she decided to drop out of college, forfeit her scholarship and become an electrician. She enrolled in a program through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union that allowed her to work 40 hours a week as an apprentice and attend school one night a week.

It wasn’t easy, but she stuck with it and is now the owner of her own electrical contracting business. Despite the stereotypes and discrimination she faced, she has no regrets about her decision to go into the electrical trades. In the beginning, it was hard to find clients. But we kept working hard, and our reputation grew. We now have a lot of repeat customers.

WHAT INITIALLY DREW YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER AS A FEMALE ELECTRICIAN?

Having a woman in the field also means people are more comfortable with us. Some of our customers are more comfortable talking to a woman than they would be with a man.

As we continue to push toward a greener, more sustainable economy, the need for electricians is only going to increase. The skills shortage is a real issue, and it’s important to get women on board now so they can be part of the solution.

Gender equality in the trades is the first step, but ensuring women feel supported and valued at their workplaces is essential for making true progress. By prioritizing diversity and providing equal opportunities for growth, employers can help encourage more women to join the trades and start to close the gap.

In an industry historically dominated by men, the presence of female electricians is steadily increasing, challenging stereotypes and breaking barriers. Traditionally, the field of electrical work has been perceived as a male stronghold, but a growing number of women are defying these norms and making significant contributions to the industry.

One of the primary challenges faced by female electricians is overcoming gender bias. The misconception that physical strength is a prerequisite for success in the electrical trade has discouraged many women from pursuing careers in this field. However, as societal attitudes evolve and gender stereotypes are dismantled, more women are choosing to enter the electrical industry, driven by a passion for the work and a desire to challenge preconceived notions.

If you’re interested in becoming a female electrician, contact the team at IEC Greater Cincinnati for more information about apprenticeships and training programs. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have about the profession and can connect you with women who are defying stereotypes and forging their own path in the electrical industry.