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 this career path is rewarding.

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 50,000 more electrician jobs will be needed by 2031.

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 of CST Tri-Venture at Tri-City Electric, 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

Even though women the electrical trade make up a small portion of the workforce, they’re often very successful. Sheila Tedrow, automation support specialist at Van Meter, was an electrician prior to her career in electrical distribution. Her local union in Cedar Rapids had 600 members but only 12 women. Most of the time, she was the only woman on the jobsite she was working on. To be successful, it was important for her to set boundaries for how she expected to be treated.

“Guys were used to saying whatever they want on the jobsite, so working with new people could be a bit awkward at first,” said Tedrow. “But once they figure out your personality and get to know you, there’s no drama. I had a lot of fun.”

Being a female electrician on the jobsite is not without its challenges though. On one jobsite, Tedrow oversaw the site but did not yet have the title of foreman. The company appointed a man to the role, and when she asked why, she was told they were afraid the guys would not work for a woman.

“I told them that sounds like a they problem, not a me problem,” she said. “Sometimes you have to change people’s mindsets.” Having grit, self-confidence and the willingness to challenge the status-quo can help you find success in this field.

Schirm agreed. 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 $300 million-per-year company.

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.

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 career options for female electricians?

“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.”

Tedrow is a good example of someone who made the transition from the field to an office role. Being an electrician can be tough, physical work, but it created an opportunity for her to move into an office role that is easier on her body.

Schirm also emphasized that there is more to the industry than physical work in the field. She oversees a workforce of 500 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.”

Tedrow believes some women can be intimidated by the physical demands and the bias that it is a man’s job, but she said she was raised to never put limitations on what she can do. What would she say to someone thinking about a career in the industry?

Are you interested in a career in the electrical industry? Check out Van Meter’s careers page for job openings, follow Van Meter on social media to learn about upcoming career fairs or email recruiting to ask about opportunities.