Apprentice sparky short circuits the statistics

19 May, 2017

These days, electricians represent the largest single trade occupation in Australia, yet females make up just 1.2% of the total electrical workforce.*

Alecia Allaway, an apprentice electrician signed up with MEGT, is one of a growing number of women challenging the statistics by entering this traditionally male-dominated industry.

While undertaking a Certificate II in Integrated Technologies during her last two years of high school, Alecia thoroughly enjoyed her studies and decided to pursue a career in electrotechnology.

After completing eight weeks of work experience with Laser Electrical Bendigo in Victoria, Alecia was taken on by the company and commenced her electrical apprenticeship earlier this year.

So far Alecia has found working on male-dominated worksites a positive experience, and most of her male colleagues “really supportive” and more than happy to lend a hand. “The only challenge is height,” said Alecia “but it’s nothing a ladder can't fix.”

When asked what her ambitions were, the first-year apprentice replied, “my ambition is to build a house of my own and know that I have done all the electrical work myself and there is not a single problem with it.”

With such a positive attitude and big plans, we’re sure Alecia will go far!