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?

Sorry to sound naive, but what’s the electronics route? Is that more like servicing and repairing? That’s more how I’d see myself working in any case

Sorry for late replies everyone. I was on a gig…hence the 03:20am replies!

I think it goes without saying that such traditionally white male working environments mean that anyone who doesn’t fit that demographic might struggle. Hence my reluctance to be on typical site type situations.

Mind you, I’ve managed male musicians for the past decade, so have dealt with my fair share of sexism, egos and drunken pr1cks. I work as Dolly Parton, and tend to deal with the guys in much the same way she does 😂

I’m no stranger to loading up a van with huge speakers and having OCD standards of cable coiling, so am not at all worried about hard graft.

I don’t think being too woke benefits anyone, but I do like to see the pendulum swing a little too far one way (in order to see it return to a more reasonable position)

Go for it OP, I’d probably prefer a female electrician tbh.

If you were 20 now, then I would recommend it, but I wouldn't at your age. The others have said it's a very physical job and you would be starting out as a point in your life where I'm afraid things go downhill!

Not sure where you are in the country but Soundgas in Derbyshire offer apprenticeships and training in the field.

Really like this idea! I’m in Portsmouth though

You’d probably be allowed across the border … AKA you probably do need to expect an element of movement and disruption if you’re serious about re-training. If the best course is at the other end of the country - that’s where you need to go.

No reason not to !

Look at a courses related to this type of thing with exam & practical experience or an apprenticeship

https://www.tradeskills4u.co.uk/blog/what-is-the-18th-edition

Before considering always wise to see whether even remotely possible as otherwise you risk getting excited

check whether feasible I would?

I think you probably wouldn't be interested in this because of your age, but there is a fantastic degree in Derby uni which is sound a light engineering for outdoor festivals.

www.derby.ac.uk/undergraduate/entertainment-engineering-courses/

If this is what you truly want, do it. In the last 15 years I have used roofer, tree surgeon, lock smith and gardener who are women and very good at their job. I recommend them constantly to neighbours, family and friends.
Good luck.

@WollyParton your response shows that you will be just fine. You should give it a go. Good luck.

@Barrowgirl hahahahaha. How do you figure that?

You have no idea.

Did you ever take this further? something I’m considering for when my kids go to school, feel like it might be time to leave childcare

Sounds an amazing idea, I bet you'll be inundated by women customers. I know of someone who's a female painter and she's always busy.

Hiya, apologies for the delayed response! No, not yet. I’m now considering training as a Foot Health Professional. I hope to start the training in January 2025 when I have my next work-lull

I know someone who teaches onto the course and they're terrific. Just in case anyone thinks about going there.

Go for it! I had a female plumber around the other day. Why not?

I'm not sure it's necessary to have a degree to get into sound and lighting at festivals. DP does various tech roles including lighting tech in the entertainment industry for whoever wants to pay him to do it, including festivals, those Christmas light shows that are the subject of the 'how much' thread at the moment and loads more.

He's done about 10 days training in total in his entire career and most of that was for machine driving and rigging. The lights and the rest have been via on the job experience that he's paid the normal industry day rate for. He's talking about doing a course in something to do with lights moving around, but that's 2/3 day course.

He doesn't have many good things to say about people with degrees in event management/light and sound etc but little or no on the job experience or willingness to do all the heavy lifting or unsocial hours.

But OP, I'm surprised that you think your age is a barrier to being a Dolly Parton tribute act. She's 78!

The "Singing Sparkie" sounds like a great idea! OP obviously I don't know your personal circumstances but go for it if you can! You're still young enough to make a career change worthwhile and it sounds like you'd be ideal!

Great idea if you can just do Pat testing. I would worry about those jobs where you need to enter tight crawl spaces and lofts. Not sure my knees or back would manage as a 50 odd year old!

Fab name!!

How are you getting on with the foot health course @WollyParton?

have a look for Theatres / venues who offer apprenticeship OP- I know ATG offers some