Women in the Electrical Trade: How Grants and Training Are Opening New Doors 

The UK’s electrical industry is evolving fast. Higher wages, renewable technologies, and structured apprenticeships make it one of the most attractive trades for anyone considering a career shift. But one group remains underrepresented—women. 

That imbalance is now being challenged head-on. The NICEIC’s “Jobs for the Girls” campaign has been raising awareness since 2011, and with the launch of a new bursary scheme offering grants of up to £500, the support for women e ntering or progressing in the trade has never been stronger. 

For context, electricians consistently lead the trades in earnings, as shown in the salary snapshot. At the same time, the industry is opening up new opportunities in green skills. The renewables training guide highlights how solar, EV, and battery storage are becoming core areas of work. For younger learners, the apprenticeship guide outlines traditional entry routes, while the course selection guide helps career changers choose the right starting point. Together, these show that the trade isn’t just open to more people—it’s actively in need of them. 

Jobs for the Girls: From Campaign to Action 

Women make up half of the UK workforce but less than 1 in 1,000 electrical contractors. To redress this imbalance, the NICEIC launched “Jobs for the Girls” in 2011. The campaign quickly gained visibility, featuring in national press and broadcast media, and even earning a slot at a parliamentary reception where CEO Emma Clancy presented the case for inclusion alongside women already w orking in the industry. 

The campaign has already had an effect. At training providers, the number of female students rose from 1.4% to 3.7% within a year—still small, but a sign of progress. The new bursary scheme is the next logical step: turning awareness into direct financial support. 

About the Bursary 

The “Jobs for the Girls” bursary offers up to £500 to help cover training or associated costs. It’s open to women of all ages who are either working in, or looking to work in, the electrical sector. 

Priority will be given to: 

• Women committed to a career in the industry. 

• Those already working in electrical roles. 

• Individuals signed up for a recognised qualification route. 

Funding can be used for course fees, materials, or even technical advice and mentoring. Whether you’re a new entrant starting from scratch or an experienced electrician seeking to upskill, the bursary can make a real difference. 

Why Inclusion Matters 

Encouraging more women into the electrical trade isn’t just about fairness—it’s about meeting real demand. Skills shortages are well-documented, with industry surveys repeatedly highlighting the struggle to recruit electricians. Bringing more women into the workforce expands the talent pool and helps secure the future of the industry. 

It also changes the image of the trade. Apprenticeships and fast-track courses are drawing more career changers, and with visible role models like female tutors and engineers, more women see electrical work as a genuine option. 

Voices From the Trade 

Liliane Branca, an electrical tutor training new recruits, sums it up well: 

“I think it’s essential for women to remember that we can do anything. The most important thing to remember is that if you want to do something, don’t let anything get in your way. Just go for it and put everything into it. If you do that, you’ll succeed whether you’re a man or a woman.” 

Case studies of graduates like Noemi Willenbockel and Kelly Vincent reinforce the point—women are building successful careers in the trade right now, and more are on the way. 

Wages and Opportunities 

For anyone considering the bursary, the financial outlook is encouraging. Electricians remain among the best-paid trades, and growth areas such as renewable energy only strengthen earning potential. 

The industry also offers a wide spectrum of work: domestic, commercial, industrial, and specialist areas like inspection, design, and renewables. Unlike some sectors, career development isn’t capped—once you’re qualified, you can branch out into supervision, training, or even run your own contracting business. 

Training Routes 

The bursary can be applied to different training routes depending on your starting point: 

• Apprenticeships – The traditional earn-while-you-learn pathway, explained in detail in the apprenticeship guide. 

• Diplomas and fast-track courses – For career changers who want to build skills quickly, outlined in the course selection guide. 

• Renewables and EV training – For those who already hold core qualifications, the renewables guide shows how to expand into high-demand areas. 

The bursary isn’t just about money—it’s about providing a stepping stone into whichever route works best for each applicant. 

Challenges Still Ahead 

While progress is being made, challenges remain: 

• Perceptions – Some still see electrical work as “men’s work.” Changing this image will take time and visible success stories. 

• Support – Women entering the trade may need a dditional mentoring and encouragement to stay the course. 

• Awareness – Many potential applicants simply don’t know bursaries like this exist. 

Addressing these issues will require continued promotion, support networks, and training providers willing to champion inclusivity.  

The Bigger Picture 

The NICEIC bursary isn’t happening in isolation. It reflects wider changes in how the trade is adapting to future needs: 

• Wages – Electricians consistently lead the trades in earnings (salary snapshot). 

• Green skills – The drive toward net zero is fuelling demand for renewables (renewables training guide). 

• Structured entry routes – Apprenticeships and qualifications are being made more accessible (apprenticeship guide). 

• Career advice – Resources like the course selection guide help new entrants make informed choices. 

Each of these developments supports the same message: the trade is open, in demand, and evolving. 

References 

• GOV.UK – Apprenticeships and skills training: https://www.gov.uk/ 

• Office for National Statistics (ONS) – Labour market and earnings data: https://www.ons.gov.uk/ 

The NICEIC’s “Jobs for the Girls” bursary is more than just financial support. It’s a signal that the industry wants and needs women to succeed in the electrical trade. With strong salaries, diverse training routes, and growing opportunities in green technologies, now is the time to make the move. 

If you’re ready to take your first step—or your next one—explore the apprenticeship guide, check out the course selection guide, or look into specialist areas like renewable training. With bursaries now available, barriers are lower than ever. 

FAQs on the NICEIC “Jobs for the Girls” Campaign and Women in the Electrical Trade (2025) 

1 – What is the NICEIC “Jobs for the Girls” campaign and why was it launched?

The NICEIC “Jobs for the Girls” campaign was launched in 2018 to encourage more women into the electrical industry, challenging the stereotype that it’s a “man’s job” and addressing the gender imbalance (only 2–3% of electricians are women). It promotes diversity, highlights career opportunities, and provides support through bursaries and resources to boost female participation, aiming to tap into untapped talent amid skills shortages. 

2 – How much financial support does the new bursary scheme provide?

The bursary scheme provides up to £500 in financial support per applicant to cover training costs or associated expenses, such as tools, courses, or travel for electrical qualifications. This has helped over 10 women since its inception, with ongoing applications available. 

3 – Who is eligible to apply for the bursary—can career changers apply too?

Eligibility includes females of all ages, from beginners to those already in the industry, including career changers seeking to enter or advance in electrics. Applicants must demonstrate how the funds will support training or career development, with no restrictions on experience level. 

4 – What types of costs can the bursary funding be used for?

The funding can be used for training courses (e.g., 18th Edition, PAT testing), tools and equipment, travel to training centers, or other associated costs like study materials or certification fees. It supports entry-level or upskilling needs to facilitate entry into the trade. 

5 – Why is it important to encourage more women into the electrical trade?

Encouraging women addresses the skills shortage (100,000+ electricians needed by 2032), brings diverse perspectives for innovation, and promotes equality in a male-dominated field (2–3% female), boosting sector growth and tackling stereotypes. It also enhances workplace safety and productivity through varied experiences. 

6 – What challenges do women still face when entering or progressing in the trade?

Women face challenges like gender bias, lack of role models (2–3% female), physical demands, and work-life balance issues, with 20% reporting harassment and slower progression to supervisory roles. These barriers contribute to high dropout rates, but initiatives like “Jobs for the Girls” help mitigate them. 

7 – What are the main training routes available for women starting out in electrics?

Main routes include apprenticeships (3–4 years, paid, with bursaries), fast-track diplomas (C&G 2365 Level 2/3, 1–2 years), Skills Bootcamps (free, 4–16 weeks for green skills), and EWA (6–12 months for experienced). NICEIC bursaries support these for women. 

8 – How do wages and career opportunities for electricians compare to other trades?

Electricians earn £33,000–£38,000 (median £38,760), higher than plumbers (£33,285) or bricklayers (£30,000), with opportunities in renewables (£40,000–£60,000) outpacing other trades. EV/solar roles offer faster progression. 

9 – What role do renewables and EV charging play in creating new opportunities for women?

Renewables and EV charging create opportunities by demanding 160,000 jobs by 2030, with flexible roles in design/installation appealing to women, and campaigns like “Jobs for the Girls” providing bursaries for these specialisms. They offer work-life balance and innovation. 

10 – Where can women find further guidance and resources on apprenticeships, fast-track training, or bursary applications?

Women can find guidance on GOV.UK (apprenticeships), NICEIC (bursaries, [email protected]), and providers like JTL (women’s programs). TESP and Women in Construction offer resources.