In Profile: Women in the Industry – Alicia Reid

Alicia Reid is the Managing Director of a successful electrical contracting business. She chose to become an electrician after completing her university degree. She talks about her steady rise to the top.

“After gaining a degree in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice at university, I moved back home and was looking for work.

“I’d always had a small interest in electrics as my step-father owned an electrical business, Tomlinson Longstaff, and so I started working for him in 2007.

“I joined the business on an apprenticeship scheme and found that I loved it. I particularly enjoyed the variety in the work and it gave me the opportunity to meet new people and visit new places.

“I decided to become a fully qualified electrician and, just seven years later, I was promoted to Managing Director and I now run the business on a day-to-day basis.

“I have a team of over 18 staff who work across the North East of England, offering a wide range of electrical services to the commercial, industrial, small works and specialist sectors.”

Alicia, who is based in County Durham, has continued to build a strong reputation for her company, and has become well-known in the area for the work she does.

“I’ve had a really positive experience of working in the electrical industry. As with any business, you come across challenges but I have built great relationships with trusted trades.

“Having been through the process myself, we really understand the value of training so we invest heavily in the development of our team so that we can provide our clients with skilled and experienced electricians with the most up-to-date qualifications.”

Having now made her way in the sector, Alicia is keen to highlight the opportunities it presents to other women.

“Working in a male-dominated trade can be challenging. But as a successful woman in this industry, I’d love to see more women make the step and together we can slowly make it more acceptable for women to be recognised as a tradesperson.”

For more information about NICEIC’s campaign to encourage more women into the electrical industry, visit: www.niceic.com/jobsforthegirls.