Dads encouraged to discuss their trades this Father's Day

Three quarters of male electricians would be happy for their daughters to take up a career in the trade, according to recent survey results.
A recent survey of electricians found that three quarters would be happy for their daughters to follow in their footsteps.A recent survey of electricians found that three quarters would be happy for their daughters to follow in their footsteps.
A recent survey of electricians found that three quarters would be happy for their daughters to follow in their footsteps.

A similar percentage, however, also feel that old school attitudes towards women would actively discourage females from taking up a trade.

The survey of electrical contractors was carried out by leading electrical industry body NICEIC who’s Jobs for the Girls campaign aims to encourage more women into the industry.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Emma Clancy, CEO of NICEIC, said: “Dads have an important role to play in shaping the career choices of their daughters – particularly in the trades sector where many children follow in their father’s footsteps.

“So it is highly encouraging to see that up to 75 per cent of contractors would be happy to see their daughters become an electrician.

“Since launching our Jobs for the Girls campaign in 2011 we are seeing a growing interest in women wanting to take up a trade. However, the numbers are still painfully low so it is interesting to note that many men feel certain attitudes from another era still exist today.

“That is something we all have a duty to eradicate. I would encourage dads who do come across such attitudes to take a stand and think about how they might feel if it was their daughter working in the industry.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The survey of over 100 electrical contractors found that 90% of father’s believe that it is their responsibility to advise their daughters on their career choices. However, only one in five dads said their child had received any information from school or careers advice service about trade opportunities.

Emma added: “With Father’s Day just around the corner maybe it is an opportunity for dads who work as an electrician or in the trades generally to ask their daughters what they think about their job and if it is something that would interest them in the future.

Schools also have a role to play. What we have found is that women who do become electricians often do so later on in life.

Further information about Jobs for the Girls is available at www.jobsforthegirls.com

Related topics: