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Original poster

Would it be crazy to retrain as a female electrician?

73 replies

WollyParton · 14/10/2023 05:54

The gov. Skills bootcamp are offering this as a course.

I’m 44 years old and have been working as a singer/band leader for the past decade. Sexist as this seems most women in my industry won’t be on the stage past about 50, mostly due to looks, but also due to travel and heavy lifting of speakers etc.

I really need to get a wriggle on with figuring out what my next career will be.

I definitely don’t want to be a tutor, teacher or music agent/booker.

I’m technically minded, love figuring out how things work but I prefer practical/physical to desk/office work. I would also have a ready-made client base for PAT testing (legal requirement for music electrical equipment which needs updating yearly) and might easily transition in to working in a theatre/music venue situation.

I’d be open to working in a normally male-dominated environment, but not sure I’d be cut out for building site type jobs as I’m aware they can be very male-only and not great places for women.

Is this a crazy idea? Any ideas?

OP posts:
Silkiebunny · 14/10/2023 06:07

Sounds like a great idea. I think probably would research some more and go for it.

Seaitoverthere · 14/10/2023 06:09

It’s a great idea. Our electrician was saying with the direction that everything is going heading more to electric eg. Air source heat pumps, Solar that he is rushed off his feet.

Cameroncasey1 · 14/10/2023 06:10

I think you should do it

roundcork · 14/10/2023 06:11

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the request of the user.

Plump82 · 14/10/2023 06:12

I think it's a great idea but, my husband is an electrician and it's not just standing wiring stuff etc. He's currently seeing a physio for his back as it's done in over the years of physical work he's been doing. I didn't think electrical work was like this but it is. I only mention this because it's something you do say in your OP. He's worked over the years with a few female apprentices but I don't think he's seen any fully qualified.

Barrowgirl · 14/10/2023 06:13

What’s your personal circumstances? Ie children?

Barrowgirl · 14/10/2023 06:14

Have you determined whether there is one near you and availability?

DuneFan · 14/10/2023 06:22

Social housing providers also employ electricians. Our lady electricians are very in demand to work in the homes of vulnerable women. You could even apply for apprenticeships, they're not just for kids.

As others say there's a big shortage.

feralunderclass · 14/10/2023 06:25

Electricians do very well, there is never a shortage of work. But as a pp said, it's very physical. You never see an electrician (or plumber) work in the job up until retirement as their back and knees have gone.

Wtfnowseptember · 14/10/2023 06:26

My dh does this and I would not enjoy crawling through roof spaces etc. Otherwise go for it. There's lots of maths, but you'll never be short of work.

LoopyGremlin · 14/10/2023 06:27

I don't believe these courses would qualify you to be an electrician. To be fully trained takes several years of an apprenticeship. I think these courses are to help you get taken on as an apprentice.

WhatWillIWear · 14/10/2023 06:29

Sounds an excellent plan, @WollyParton!

You should definitely browse a couple of dozen threads on the Mature Study and Retraining board to get an overview of how to navigate retraining, what issues might arise and which aspects might be unexpectedly rewarding.

Mature students: Distance learning, retraining and mentorship | Mumsnet | Mumsnet

Welcome to Mumsnet’s mature student forum. Discuss everything from starting adult courses to retraining and distance learning or even seek out a personal mentor.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/mature_students

Barrowgirl · 14/10/2023 06:32

LoopyGremlin · 14/10/2023 06:27

I don't believe these courses would qualify you to be an electrician. To be fully trained takes several years of an apprenticeship. I think these courses are to help you get taken on as an apprentice.

They are

you are guaranteed an interview though

cryinglaughing · 14/10/2023 06:33

I started out as an apprentice electrician in 1988 but gave it up after 18 months.
Even though I was young, so fit and healthy, it was a really physical job.
I am not girly but my nails and hands just looked grim all the time.

Sounds really shallow but I just didn't want my hands looking like that.
I went down the electronics route after that.

PurBal · 14/10/2023 06:35

I know a few female electricians, but it’s quite physical. And depending on what you’re doing it can involve crawling around in small dusty spaces.

redribbonrose · 14/10/2023 06:45

There's definitely a market for female
Tradies

2764mice · 14/10/2023 06:54

My only worry is the physicality of the job and how likely it is that you'd be able to do it right up until retirement? It's be crap to have to retrain again for a more sedentary job due a knee or back injury.

SkiingIsHeaven · 14/10/2023 07:54

Do it. There are loads more women in construction.

It is a great job and you will obviously thrive.

I work in construction and there are far more women in site then there used to be.

You need a bit of a thick skin and good banter. You cannot be sensitive and overly woke.

Go for it. From the sound of your OP you'll be fine.

WhatWillIWear · 14/10/2023 08:48

You cannot be sensitive and overly woke.

What does this mean, please?

If the OP is black - should she prepare for racist and sexist ‘banter’? Or something else?

Gnomegnomegnome · 14/10/2023 08:51

I’ve always wanted to be an electrician. Go for it.

Fahbeep · 14/10/2023 08:56

Not crazy at all. Sounds sensible. I don't think you need to do much research. There is lots of work in this area and if you want to do it, do it! You may be working for another 24 years before state pension, so plenty of working life to make this worthwhile.

Brewdug · 14/10/2023 08:59

DuneFan · 14/10/2023 06:22

Social housing providers also employ electricians. Our lady electricians are very in demand to work in the homes of vulnerable women. You could even apply for apprenticeships, they're not just for kids.

As others say there's a big shortage.

Agree with this - in my experience v keen to have diversity among their trades staff, and housing associations often have trouble filling vacancies so you'll often see them available - personal choice really, as it's a steady wage and benefits, holidays etc, but I think most people think they can earn more out on their own.

Fahbeep · 14/10/2023 08:59

Brand yourself as the singing spark, available for weddings and rewires, prices on request! Grin. Good luck!

Natsku · 14/10/2023 09:04

feralunderclass · 14/10/2023 06:25

Electricians do very well, there is never a shortage of work. But as a pp said, it's very physical. You never see an electrician (or plumber) work in the job up until retirement as their back and knees have gone.

My bloke's dad is an electrician, he didn't even want to stop working to retire. But it is true that it can be very physical work.

Natsku · 14/10/2023 09:06

But go for it OP, there's always work for electricians, its not that rare for women to be electricians in my country at least.
I'm 37 and just started retraining in aircraft maintenance, also male dominated field but there's 4 other women on my course, one of them is around 50, and one in the teenagers class as well.

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