I applied for an electrical construction apprenticeship with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) when I was 19 years old. I never expected to go into this field, but I started a family early and wanted to pursue my own goals while having a flexible schedule. My brother had joined the program and told me about how he was able to start a career without having to go through four years of college and accumulate debt, so I decided to do the same.
The apprenticeship program takes several years and involves both schooling and on-the-job training. My hourly rate has increased based on my experience and the number of hours I've worked. In the last year, I made $53 per hour and worked five days a week. I also attended night school twice a week for three hours and every other Saturday to study for exams.
I've been on maternity leave for the last month, but I passed my state exam, so when I return, I'll make $63 per hour. It's been challenging to juggle having a family, studying, and working for the last five years, and the job is also physically demanding. Commercial work requires pulling heavy wire for large electrical gear and panels in metro stations, as well as installing conduits for communication, power, and lighting systems, including underground work. The job involves a lot of pushing, carrying, crawling, and ladder work, and sometimes requires calculations using the Pythagorean theorem and trigonometry.
There is a lot of specialized language and knowledge required, and the work involves constant changes in materials and installations. In over five years of working in this field, I have yet to work directly with another woman. The male-dominated environment has been an adjustment, but the guys have been great, and it's helped me develop a thicker skin and improve my emotional intelligence.
The money and flexible schedule have allowed me to live comfortably and start a family early. I usually start work at 5 a.m., have two breaks, and finish at 1:30 p.m., which allows me to pick up my son from school. I also spend weekends with my family, which is important to us.
If I had taken the college route, I would have come out with at least $30,000 in debt and would have had to do unpaid internships to gain experience. Instead, I was able to buy a house at the age of 25, with the help of my mother-in-law. The apprenticeship program also provides job security, as I can be dispatched to another company if I were to get laid off.
Overall, the apprenticeship program has been challenging but rewarding. I enjoy the hands-on nature of the work and the satisfaction of seeing a project through from start to finish. I hope to see more women join this field in the future.