NICEIC Celebrates Talented Engineers this International Women's Day

AS we celebrate International Women's Day (IWD), NICEIC, the UK's leading name for Registered Electricians, is encouraging more women to consider a career within the electrical industry.

The theme for IWD 2023 is #EmbraceEquity and aims to get the world talking about how equal opportunities are no longer enough if we are to provide everyone, no matter their circumstances, with the opportunities to reach an equal outcome.

With only 16.3% female engineers in the industry, we caught up with 2 NICEIC area assessors and discussed the challenges they have faced to gain a better understanding of what it's like to be a woman in this sector.

Joining the industry after a career change, Lisa comments on her journey so far:- "I was on the lookout for a career that challenged me and upped my skillset. My friend told me that he was training to become an Electrician. After some self doubt, thinking women do not tend to go for that sort of career, I was encouraged to go for it. It ended up being the best advice I ever followed. Now here I am, years later, with a Student of the Year Award tucked under my belt, alongside a whole host of inspection and installation experience that led me to my role now assessing other contractors."

Louise, however, always had her eye on becoming an Electrician after completing work experience that led to a 4 year electrical apprenticeship with a NICEIC approved contractor. Commenting on her career so far, Louise said:- "I've always enjoyed the technical aspect of the job as I see myself as a hands on type of person. I was never really suited to sitting in an office all day. In this role, no 2 days are the same as I take on a wide variety of work which has given me a wealth of experience in the industry."

When asked about the barriers to women entering the industry, Lisa adds:- "I do think women are nervous to enter such a male-dominated environment. Sometimes as women, we feel as though we aren't physically built for this type of work; but there are always ways to work around this, such as having the correct tools or working as a team when it comes to heavier work."

Louise continues:- "The industry can seem intimidating, but times are changing; and I only saw that as more motivation to rise through the ranks. Before I knew it, I was in an electrical management role."

NICEIC is committed to encouraging more women to join the electrical sector and challenging the perception that the industry is traditionally for men. Although there has been a recent rise in women realising the benefits of a hands on career, such as an engineer, there is always more room to break down gender barriers.

Lisa says:- "NIECIC is all about creating a working culture that encourages inclusivity and celebrates people's individuality whilst treating everyone in the same, fair manner."

Louise adds:- "Throughout my career, I have always regarded NICEIC as the leading electrical body that promotes electrical safety and uphold standards. I have been with NICEIC for 7 years and I couldn't imagine myself anywhere else. As an employer, the company is very supportive and encourages individual ambitions and always looks to drive standards. Attitudes have changed considerably across the sector since I began my apprenticeship. These days, all that matters is your ability to do the job; as it should be."

International Women's Day allows businesses to welcome and celebrate the achievements of women, especially in what is still seen as a male-oriented trade world. The electrical industry is calling to be more inclusive and appealing to women so that the younger generation of females can see it as a viable, exciting career option from the very beginning. With renewable energy sources on the rise, electrical contractors are at the forefront of helping the UK to achieve net zero by 2050. The sector is crying out for highly motivated Electricians; and with the introduction of so many new technologies, it's an exciting time to get involved.

For more information, visit:- NIECIC.Com.
 

DAMIEN Moore MP welcomed the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities, Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, to Southport to celebrate the success of Southport Market and to speak together with local traders.

The Levelling Up Secretary met with each of the stallholders to discuss their experiences of trading in this unique community space. He enjoyed a white Twix shortbread at Cake Corner, a business launched by 22 year old entrepreneur Leanne Prescott, and purchased English chicken breast, seasoned and stuffed with cream cheese, from Blackhurst Butchers, who started trading in 1963, showing his commitment to Southport's local businesses.

Also among those met by the Levelling Up Secretary and Damien Moore MP were a Ukrainian refugee couple, whose stall in the market has proved hugely successful with customers, where their pasta dishes continue to draw a large crowd. Throughout, the Levelling Up Secretary took a particular interest in Southport's unique cultural and heritage events, such as the Southport Flower Show in August.

Southport received £37.5 million through the Towns Fund, 1 of the largest Town Deal awards in the country and the largest direct investment Southport has seen in a generation. The funding was lobbied for by Damien Moore MP, who has repeatedly supported Southport's Town Deal in Parliament, and has continued to meet with Ministers and others to ensure its success.

£900,000 of advance funding from the Town Deal was put towards the regeneration of Southport Market, transforming it into an exciting new food, drink, and events venue. More than 10 thousand visitors enjoyed the selection of food and drink available within the 1st 48 hours of opening on:- Thursday, 22 July 2021.