The number of women working in the electrical trade has risen significantly. The number of female apprentices that attend the IEC Electrical Apprenticeship Program currently stands at nine. This is a great increase over past years. Several reasons appear likely according to Pace Bartling with Titan Electric of Georgia. Many company owners have worked with women throughout their career and know that they are just as capable and hard working as men. Attitudes are changing and companies appear open to hiring people from diverse backgrounds in order to overcome the shortage of skilled workers.  Ms. Bartling states that companies are looking for people with great attitudes, the ability to work as part of a team and that electrical construction provides a great career with exceptional wages and benefits.

Women on the Road to Success

Rosemarie Bautista with Putzel Electric attends the Professional Electrician Program (PEP). She has over 11 years of experience. Her first job was building a Toyota dealership in Duluth Georgia.  As a new employee she installed conduit and lighting devices in the building.  Rosemarie believes she has always had a natural talent for electrical work and in July 2019 she is ready to graduate with the title of Electrician in all 50 states.  After graduation Rosemarie plans to continue the career path by moving into electrical sales and estimating.

Advice for Others:  The trades are not for everyone – be diligent, ready to take on all tasks. The best thing about being an electrician is you do not have to wear makeup or decide what to wear each day.

Rhylea Morgan with MetroPower is just starting her career in the electrical field. She is following in her father’s footsteps who works with MetroPower as well. Like many dads he encouraged Rhylea to be like him and join the electrical trade. Rhylea worked with her dad on residential projects when she was younger by stapling romex wire to wood studs. Rhylea plans to continue her education and one day work as a project manager.

Advice for Others:  Work hard to be a good student, join the electrical trade and make good money.

Dominique Luckey with Titan Electric of Georgia has 4 months of experience and loves to learn as much as possible about her job as an electrical apprentice. She especially enjoys seeing different parts of the city since she just moved to Georgia a few months ago. Dominique was tired of low paying and boring jobs. She found the IEC Apprenticeship Program through a program designed to move people to better paying careers. Today, Dominique enjoys using all types of power tools on the job.

Advice for Others:  Choose what you want to do and go for it; do not get discouraged because persistence always wins.

Raven Dillard with Titan Electric of Georgia has 6 months of experience in the electrical trade. She responded to an online ad and found her career. Her dad was a carpenter so she experienced firsthand how working in the trades helps a person provide for themselves or a family. Raven enjoys working with her hands and being outside on a regular basis. She plans to move into project management and may own her on electrical business someday.

Advice for Others:  The electrical trade is a good place for women. Connect with the IEC and find your contractor today.

Joaquina Jaynes with Titan Electric of Georgia has a little over 1 year of experience working for an electrical contractor.  Previously, she worked in the accounting department of a construction company. She realized, like many others, that an inside job was not for her so she decided to work with her hands in the field. Joaquina plans to work in electrical safety.

Advice for Others:  Encourages women to get involved in the electrical trade because of the great opportunities.

Naomi Pittman with Ritch Electric has 3 months of experience working for an electrical contractor. Currently attending the 1^st year of Electrical Apprenticeship, Naomi worked at a facility that had electricians on the site regularly.  She watched the electricians work and became intrigued with what they did for a living.  Realizing that she wanted and needed a career that she enjoyed led her to Ritch Electric where she is now working her way to a successful career in electrical construction. Future goals include recruiting more women to join the industry.

Advice for Others: Join this exciting field.

The Independent Electrical Contractors Atlanta and Georgia Chapters stand ready to help you obtain a great career that provides exciting work and great opportunities.  We encourage you to make your career choice early and work diligently to obtain your goals. Contact IEC for your career opportunities -770-242-9277 or IECAtlantaga.org