Women in the Electrical Trade Talk Shop

Why three women in the electrical trade find their career so rewarding

Did you know only 3% of electricians in the U.S. are women? Working in the electrical trade is a unique career path for women, but why are women in the electrical trade so rare? What is it like being a female electrician? Is there value to a more diverse workforce? To answer those questions and more, we talked to three women in the electrical trade to learn why more women should consider working in the trades.

1. WOMEN IN THE ELECTRICAL TRADE HAVE JOB OPPORTUNITIES

As more parts of daily life (e.g. vehicles, buildings) become electrified and demand for clean energy grows, the United States is going to need more electricians. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nearly 85,000 more electrician jobs will be needed by 2033.

Does the fact that there are so few women in the electrical trade mean it’s not a worthwhile path to pursue? Of course not. For Maria Schirm, President at CST Tri-Venture and Chief Operating Officer at Tri-City Electric Co., it’s a rewarding industry because she is part of something tangible. When something new is being built in the area, she’s the first to know. Not only is she in the know, but things are always changing, and no two days are the same.

Working in the electrical trade empowers skill building, creativity and adaptability. With good pay, the ability to travel and constant demand, electrical trade jobs should be attractive opportunities for both men and women.

2. WOMEN IN THE ELECTRICAL TRADE HAVE A PATH TO SUCCESS

Jocelyn Wensel is one of four women on her current jobsite, which is a record high in her four years of being an electrician for Interstates. Even though most of her colleagues are men, she’s had opportunities to lead teams and advance her career. She started as an apprentice, got her journeyman’s license and is now a foreman, which means she oversees a jobsite of mostly men. What is that dynamic like?

While her experience has been mostly positive, she’s had contractors direct their eyes and speak to her male colleagues when they should be asking her questions instead.

“I wouldn’t say I have to stand up for myself, but I’ve had to make it known that I am the lead, and I am the one you should be speaking with,” she said. “At that point, they understand and come to me next time.”

Schirm has had similar experiences, but defying expectations is part of the fun. Her husband is an electrician. She said when they attend dinners and events together, people often defer to her husband as the expert. They’re usually surprised when they find out she runs a $400 million-per-year company.

“The look of shock on their faces is priceless. I pride myself on the ability to earn their respect, and once I demonstrate that I know what I am talking about, it’s not hard to win them over,” said Schirm.

3. WOMEN IN THE ELECTRICAL TRADE BRING NEW IDEAS TO THE JOBSITE

If everyone looked the same and did things the same way, how would we grow and develop better ways of doing things? Laci Olson, a foreman electrician with MSP Electric, has firsthand experience with the benefits of a diverse workforce. Her company has 65 employees with five women working in the field. She said it is important to have other women around to help each other do things efficiently.

“If there is a man showing you how to do something, he will show you how he does it, but that might not be the best way to do it for you,” said Olson. “It’s nice to have someone your body size and strength demonstrate what works best for them and what will work best for you.”

What is the best way to discover one’s strengths? For Olson, it isn’t about being a man or woman. It’s about trying new things and seeing what works.

“Upper management wanted me to get involved in everything. They wanted me here not because I’m a woman but because of what I bring to the table. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. Over time, I have gained more confidence, and everyone here is willing to help,” she said.

Olson (far right), a foreman, with a journeyman, apprentice and project manager from her mostly female crew.

4. WOMEN IN THE ELECTRICAL TRADE CAN HAVE A LONG-TERM CAREER

Why aren’t there more women in the electrical trade? For Olson, it comes down to visibility. How can young women see a future career for themselves if they don’t see any female electricians? Do they know it’s an option for them?

“People might think they know what electricians do, but they might not know there are ways to move up in the field without years of physical labor,” said Olson. “There are opportunities to work in an office as a project manager or even own your own business someday.”

Schirm is an example of how there is more to the electrical industry than physical work in the field. She oversees a workforce of 850 people and has not done any electrical work in the field. Management, operations and roles providing expertise in the field are just as valuable, and when you have a desire to work hard and learn about the industry, there is an opportunity for you to have a long career.

5. WORKING IN THE ELECTRICAL TRADE IS REWARDING

It’s not a career for everyone, but for Olson, it is a career worth pursuing.

“It’s challenging mentally and physically, but it’s also rewarding,” she said. “Just don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help.”

Wensel agreed that the job can be physically demanding, but there’s nothing she can’t do herself. When the light bulb goes off (literally!) all that effort becomes worth it. “I like seeing the end result. When the things I’m working on turn on because I had my hand in it, it’s very rewarding,” said Wensel.

Wensel is working her way up towards becoming the first female superintendent for Interstates. While it’s a source of pride for her, it’s also about representation to pave the way for women in the future. Her advice for those women? Find a company that believes in you.

“It’s important to find an employer that has your back and shares your values. Interstates has supported me through everything.”

START YOUR CAREER IN THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY

Are you interested in a career in the electrical industry? We want to support your dream! Apply for our $2,000 Spark Your Success Scholarship, or check out Van Meter’s careers page for job openings. Follow Van Meter on social media to learn about upcoming career fairs, or email [email protected] to ask about opportunities.