NICEIC have helped ten more women in the electrical industry thanks to its bursary scheme.
The bursary offers grants to women already working as an electrician or those looking to get a helping hand at the start of their career. It is open to females of all ages and the grant can help cover training, equipment or other associated costs up to a maximum of £500.
One of this year’s recipients was 25-year-old Hannah Daly from London. She has recently completed a level two qualification in and will use the funding to further her studies.
She said: “I have never expected a handout or an easy ride in this industry but the bursary will help me complete the final weeks of my studies.
“It has given me an extra spring in my step. This is an exciting and varied field to work in. There are opportunities everywhere and I have always liked to stand out for doing things differently.”
Katie Harvey, 18, from Cumner in Oxfordshire is currently studying towards her NVQ. She intends on using the funding to purchase tools and equipment essential for her studies.
“I’ve had a great experience in the industry so far,” she commented. “Although I’ve not come across many females, I feel accepted and I’m enjoying getting to know my colleagues. I try and spread the word for female electricians as much as I can – it’s a great career choice and I wouldn’t choose to do anything else.”
Apprentice Chloe Hulme, 26, from Exeter was another to get funding. She will use the money to purchase new tools.
“I currently have to borrow all my tools from my boss. This will help me be more independent and more professional on site. I am so happy I took the plunge into taking up a trade. I have loved every minute of it so far and would encourage other women thinking about it to go for it.”
The bursary, which is now in its second year, forms part of NICEIC’s wider ‘Jobs for the Girls’ campaign, which was set up in 2011. It aims to educate women on the opportunities available to them in the electrical trade, as well as dispel the myth that it’s a job only suited to men.
NICEIC received more than 25 applications – an increase on the previous year. The money handed out funded a variety of needs including new tools, training courses and ongoing qualifications.
Paul Collins, Communications Manager at NICEIC, commented, “The increase in applications shows a growing increase from women looking to get involved, but the electrical industry is still massively under-represented by females.
“Our research suggests that just one in every 100 electricians is female. If we can help out those women who are just starting out or inspire others who might be thinking about a career in the electrical industry, then we will be well on the way to addressing the skills gap and gender imbalance directly.”
Applications for this year’s Bursary scheme closed on April 30. For more information about NICEIC’s campaign visit www.niceic.com/jobsforthegirls
