We put the questions to Kim The Electrician (aka Kimmy The Sparks) to find out more about why her social media presence is helping to raise her profile and those of other females working in the industry.
Q. When did you launch your YouTube channel and what was the motivation behind this?
I launched the channel a few years ago with the encouragement of other electricians in the trade that were interested in seeing what the world at work is like for fellow trade professionals. I was a social housing electrician at the time and no one on social media was really showing this type of electrical work, so it resonated and was interesting for those that had never experienced what might be involved.
Q. What types of content do you post on there?
I post a lot of short style content that is quite light and quick to watch, with a few longer videos explaining how social housing electrical contracts work, pricing, tutorials and ‘day-in-the-life-of’ style videos. I’ve also done some live unedited videos of myself working, which shows realistic expectations of what the trade is like for learners without cutting anything out or filtering.
Q. What’s your favourite or most watched piece of content to-date?
I made a video which looked at the differences in perception that humans have and discussed Aphantasia and SDAM and how this may impact work as an electrician. This had a wide range of interesting responses, with lots of people having never considered that we all view the world so differently. This has now reached a worldwide audience, and has been a topic of discussion that is raised when I’ve met with electricians in real life.
Q. How has your YouTube channel and general social media presence helped with raising your profile?
Having a social media presence has been a networking goldmine for me. I work alone with no colleagues, so the social media community has been so supportive and I’ve built real friendships through this. I’ve also been introduced to people across the country that I would never have met otherwise, received exclusive event invitations, and have started landing world-wide opportunities! This has also helped me establish partnerships with well-known electrical/tool brands that otherwise would not have been possible.
Q. What would your advice be to other females who may be considering getting into the electrical trade?
I would highly encourage other females to get a trade, especially in the electrical field. Once you qualify with the basics there are no limits to the sort of career path you can take, and you can be self-employed or start your own business if freedom is what you desire. Electricity is everywhere in the modern world – even in places where you may not have considered it. As such, skilled electricians are needed on cruise ships, hotels, in homes, schools, streets and offices, plus they’re also required to create new products and design installations, so the work can be so varied. The flexibility provided by some roles means you can schedule it around your lifestyle or, better still, you can make being an electrician your lifestyle!
Q. Where can our readers find your YouTube and other social media channels?
You can find me on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube all under ‘Kimmy The Sparks’. If you want to reach out to me with any questions, the best place is Instagram DMs, and I’m more than happy to respond to everyone.
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