International Women’s Day: Celebrating women in trades

This International Women’s Day, we’re shining a light on women who are building strong futures in the trades – women who bring skill, perspective, and determination to industries that are rapidly evolving.

One of those women is Pat, an electrical apprentice with ATT, whose journey showcases what it means to grow, challenge stereotypes, and pursue a meaningful career. She is already making an impression in the industry – she won the Electrical Excellence Award – Year 1 at last year’s ATT Annual Awards, and also proudly took part in the 2025 Master Electricians Apprentice Challenge.

 

Expanding knowledge and building a future

For Pat, choosing an apprenticeship was a natural next step in her learning journey, “I wanted to extend my knowledge in the electrical field as I already have an engineering background.”

Her engineering experience gave her a foundation, but the electrical trade offered something more – hands-on experience, real‑world problem solving, and a career path with endless opportunities.

 

Bringing strength through perspective

Women continue to enrich the trades with unique strengths, and Pat sees the value she brings every day on the job, “I bring strong attention to detail and patience when problem‑solving.”

These qualities enhance efficiency and safety on-site, contributing to the high‑quality work that the industry relies on. Her approach reflects the importance of diversity – not just in people, but in the ways we think, work, and solve challenges.

 

Support that inspires growth

Apprenticeships thrive on strong support systems, and Pat feels that ATT has been instrumental in her success so far, “ATT has always supported me with regular check-ins. They make sure I stay on track with my on‑jobs and provide me all the tools I need.”

This steady guidance has helped her stay focused, confident, and equipped for progress throughout her training.

 

Advice for the next generation

When asked what she would tell young people thinking about starting an apprenticeship, Pat doesn’t hesitate, “Don’t be afraid to give it a go. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door, with good support and the bonus of earning while you learn.”

Her message is encouraging and real – apprenticeships open doors, build practical skills, and offer a pathway into industries where hands-on experience matters just as much as theory.

 

Celebrating women making their mark

Pat’s story highlights the impact women are making across the electrical industry and the broader trades sector.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate women like Pat who bring talent, resilience, and a fresh perspective to the workforce – shaping the future of the trades and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.