Natasha Chambers (37) - Now An Electrician

Natasha from Cambridge is a Sparky Girl!

Natasha from Longstanton, Cambridge, has not only taken up the challenge, she's an inspiration to any girls who might be thinking of taking the plunge and tackling these traditionally male-dominated industries.

Natasha, 37, who is currently running her own make-up artist agency, decided to retrain as an electrician as this would provide more flexible working hours, meaning more time with her children.  After a lot of research, she selected a course at specialist training provider, New Career Skills in Eastleigh, Hampshire.  Determined to succeed, she put her life experience to good use and was able to tackle both the practical and theoretical parts of the course efficiently and thoroughly and passed with flying colours.

Natasha comments "Choosing to train as an electrician was an easy choice for me as it had always been an interest of mine, but I had never thought about taking it up as a profession.  Having spoken with quite a few people in the building industry, I realised that becoming an electrician would be a step in the right direction as there is a crying need for more skilled women in the plumbing and electrical trades – and not always for reasons that are immediately apparent.  Having already done a bit of research, I discovered that many elderly ladies, particularly those on their own and ladies with young children, would prefer a female tradesperson in their home and some ladies, for religious reasons, are not allowed to have a male tradesman in their home whilst the man of the house is not there.  This could lead to quite a dangerous situation If there was a domestic emergency, such as flooding or power failure.

Adding his voice to the debate, the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills John Denham said: "At present, nearly half of all apprentices are women . . . But we need to go further. We need more women to take up apprenticeships, to tackle current skills shortages."

Former Managing Director of New Career Skills Trevor Dormedy said:  "I agree wholeheartedly with Natasha.  In these days of equal opportunities, diversity and choice, there is every reason for a woman to have a fulfilling and interesting career as a plumber or an electrician.  The majority of the people we see here at New Career Skills come to us for a career where they are in control.  When you spend so much time at work – you might as well enjoy what you do!"

To find out more about the industry, the electrician courses, New Career Skills and to get your questions answered, please Request An Information Pack

Back To Case Studies Click Here