Would it be crazy to retrain as a female electrician?

[WollyParton]

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?

[Silkiebunny]

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

[Seaitoverthere]

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]

I think you should do it

[Plump82]

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]

What’s your personal circumstances? Ie children?

[Barrowgirl]

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

[DuneFan]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[Barrowgirl]

@LoopyGremlin

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]

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]

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]

There's definitely a market for female
Tradies

[2764mice]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Fahbeep]

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]

@DuneFan

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]

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

[Natsku]

@feralunderclass

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]

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.