Hailing from Redlands, Alice tried a couple of career paths including a Business Traineeship through Red Rooster and working for her dad who is a tiler. Fate took a hand in her career path which landed her an electrical apprenticeship position with Switch Box, a 100+ year old company who manufacture and install electrical switchboard products.
Alice said of her path into the trade, “It’s not always what you know, it’s who you know! I was lucky enough that my dad’s mate knew my boss who was looking for an apprentice. So, I went for an interview and have been working here ever since.
“I’m a very hands-on learner, I like being very practical. I hate being behind a desk or a computer. I like to work on cars as well, so it just made sense to do a trade, especially electrical. For me, it’s not so laborious as other trades and I’m still using my mind on the worksite.”
Alice is due to complete her fourth year and become a fully qualified sparky. During her apprenticeship she has learnt a lot about the trade – along with some valuable life lessons too!
“My training has taught me all the general stuff as well as using problem solving. For instance, to get around physical barriers if something can’t fit you need to work out how to get past that. My boss always wants me to learn by figuring it out myself.”
In a traditionally male dominated trade, Switch Box is an inclusive employer that understand the value of hiring female apprentices. This has been a supporting factor for Alice during her apprenticeship.
“It’s nice having other girls around, they obviously understand what is going on. Most of the people I work with are open to females in the workplace. It’s been an overall good experience; I haven’t had any confrontation or bullying here.”
Alice has been no stranger to bullying or harassment in the past though but has encouraging words for other women and particularly trans women wanting to enter a trade.
“I’ve had problems before, problems around me and the people I associated with. I stand up for myself though. People are always coming up to me and asking ‘Why? Why did you do this?’ It shouldn’t really matter. To trans girls wanting to do a trade I would say give it a go, see how you go in the workplace. Not every workplace environment is the same, you can go to one place and it really sucks and you can go to another workplace and they’re really supportive. So, I wouldn’t give up just because of the first workplace, try other places. And know your worth!”
Looking forward to completing her trade apprenticeship, Alice has one final challenge before she is a fully qualified sparky.
“I’m very nervous. Passing the final test revisits everything you’ve learned in the past four years and they want you to apply that knowledge into this one test so it’s very difficult. I’m ready, I’ve been studying quite a bit and going to night classes at TAFE which helps a lot so I should be okay.
“It will be the best feeling ever, passing my trade, being free especially! I’ll obviously get more responsibilities once I have my trade but also more money, I can save a lot more than what I have been.”
When asked about the value of mentoring in the workplace, particularly for women (for e.g. BUSY Sisters mentoring program), Alice answered, “It would be good for people having trouble with harassment and bullying in the workplace.
“The first time working here I thought what am I getting myself into? I didn’t know anyone or what to expect, it was daunting. But seeing all the other girls here I thought, if they’re here it can’t be too bad.
“It’s not always what people look like or who they are outside of work it is how well they do in the trade. Just give them a chance to prove themselves. I’m a very hard worker and I put my mind to each task. I just feel more workplaces could be more inclusive which gives other people more opportunities for work.”
When asked what advice Alice would give to other women and trans-women entering a male dominated trade, she replied, “Guys always banter about stuff and sometimes it’s hard to distinguish between banter and whether they are talking about you. It’s important to know your worth and stand up for yourself, don’t let people steamroll you!
“Just give it a try, it’s the only way to find out. At first it is hard on an apprentice wage to manage finances but it definitely pays off in the end!”
If you’re a female or trans-female looking to enter a non-traditional trade career, like Alice has, find out more about BUSY At Work’s support for Women in Trades.
You can also learn more about government financial support for those undertaking an apprenticeship.
Alice (L) is about to become a fully qualified electrician. Pictured here with Emma, her Workshop Manager at Switch Box.
