Happy Women in Trade Day!
Removing Blocks: The Rise of the Female Sparky
Every year on 15 June, the world pauses to recognise a group of people who are often invisible yet absolutely essential: the women who build, maintain, and power our society. Last year, we turned our spotlight toward the trailblazers in UK manufacturing. This year, as we celebrate Women in Trade Day (Worldwide), we shift our focus to the sparkies, the engineers, and the site experts—symbolised by the woman holding the heavy-duty rotary hammer drill.
The Power in Her Hands
The tool in our featured image isn’t just a prop; it is a Bosch SDS-plus hammer drill, a piece of precision machinery that is a staple for modern electricians. Whether it’s chasing walls for conduit or drilling through solid masonry for new cable entries, this tool represents the physical and technical demands of a trade that for too long has been labelled "men’s work".
But as the image clearly shows, the face of the trade is changing. Standing resolute and ready, she embodies the #REMOVINGBLOCKS mission. She isn’t just holding a tool; she is holding a career, independence, and a vital role in our infrastructure.
The Current Landscape
The statistics tell a story of both challenge and immense opportunity. In the UK, women still make up only about 2% of the skilled trades workforce. In the electrical sector specifically, that number hovers around 1.7%. These figures highlight a stark gender gap, but they also point to a massive, untapped reservoir of talent.
For the modern woman, the electrical trade offers more than just a job. With a median salary for electricians reaching £39,039—higher than many other trade counterparts—it is a path to financial freedom. Furthermore, the green revolution is creating a surge in demand for EV charging installation and renewable energy systems, areas where a new generation of female electricians is already leading the charge.
Breaking the "Blokey" Barrier
The barriers to entry have historically been more cultural than physical. From the "blokey" atmosphere on-site to a lack of flexible working hours for parents, the "blocks" have been real. However, the tide is turning. Organisations are increasingly recognising that a diverse workforce isn't just a "nice-to-have"—it's a business necessity that brings innovation, attention to detail, and improved customer satisfaction.
When a woman picks up a drill, she isn't just fixing a circuit; she is dismantling a stereotype. She is showing the young girl watching from the window that the toolbox belongs to her, too.
A Global Call to Action
Women in Trade Day is a unifying global invitation. We want to see your stories. We want to see you with your favourite tool—be it a multimeter, a wire stripper, or that powerful rotary hammer.
On 15 June, join our founder, Janet Kirlew, and thousands of others around the globe. Post your photo, use the hashtag #REMOVINGBLOCKS, and let the world see the strength behind the trade. We aren't just building houses and wiring cities; we are building a legacy where every girl knows that her future is limited only by the tools she chooses to pick up.