Inspiring Women in the Electrical Trade

Annette Erickson swapped her corporate life for a tool belt, joining a growing number of women breaking into the traditionally male-dominated electrical industry.

After a decade in the tech and software industry, the 32-year-old Blue Mountains resident is just two months into her new career as an electrical apprentice working on Transgrid’s High Voltage Electrical Transmission Grid, the largest in Australia.

Joining 35 other apprentices, her role involves building and maintaining high-voltage electrical substations connecting renewable energy such as wind, solar and hydro such as the Snowy 2.0 Hydropower project. This project will connect renewable energy to the national electricity grid through Kosciuszko National Park.

She will also work on battery energy storage systems (BESS) including the Waratah Super Battery. The project is crucial for securing energy supply after the closure of the Eraring Power Station and before major transmission upgrades. Transgrid’s $150 million project consists of upgrades to existing transmission lines, 22 electrical substations and a $30 million System Integrity Protection Scheme (SIPS) to control the super battery’s activation.

Annette’s apprenticeship was facilitated by Mas National, part of the IntoWork Group, through their partnership with Transgrid. Mas National is committed to providing opportunities for women in trades, helping to break down barriers and ensure women have the support they need to succeed in traditionally male-dominated industries.

Her story is part of a growing trend of more women opting for trades. According to the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), women make up around 10 per cent of the electrical service workforce in Australia, a number that is steadily increasing.

“I realised that office work wasn’t the best fit for my temperament. I’m a curious person who loves to learn and explore different areas, and the electrical trade seemed to offer the most opportunities for growth and specialisation,” Annette said.

Currently two months into a Certificate III in Electrical, Annette is already making the most of her new role, “It’s been a bit overwhelming, but in the best way possible,” she said. “There’s so much to learn, from the history of the company to the tools and techniques used in the field. The support from my colleagues has been incredible, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.”

“I’m fortunate to be working alongside a few other female apprentices, and it’s great to see more women in this field. While there might be a slight advantage in terms of diversity initiatives, it’s important to remember that you need to be passionate and willing to learn to succeed.”

Mas National Acting CEO Ruth Hundertmark expressed the importance of supporting women in trades, “At Mas, we are passionate about empowering women to pursue careers in trades. We understand that the electrical industry, like many others, has traditionally been male-dominated, but by supporting more women to step into these roles, we help build a more diverse and skilled workforce,” she said.

Transgrid Education Programs Coordinator Glen Davis acknowledges traditionally the electrical industry has been male-dominated, “We want to turn this around at Transgrid by recruiting more women for trade roles. We have been actively promoting trade opportunities in our industry for women through pre-apprenticeship programs, Try-a-Trade Days, Career Expos and partnerships such as the one we have with Mas National,” he said.

International Women’s Day holds special significance for Annette. “It’s a time to acknowledge the progress we’ve made and the challenges we still face,” she said.

“When I finished high school, trades were not considered a viable option for women. It’s inspiring to see how much has changed, and I hope my story encourages more women to consider a career in the trades.”

For those considering a career in the electrical industry, Annette has a simple message: “Go for it. It’s a challenging but rewarding field, and there are so many opportunities to grow and specialise. Don’t let traditional gender roles hold you back.”