Wagga mum trades administration for electrical career to inspire her son

Determined to break the stereotype of what a mum does, Isabel Douglas is pursuing a career as an electrician to set an example for her young son.

The 24-year-old is studying to be an electrician at TAFE NSW Wagga Wagga after a career in administration.

“I want a career change, to do something different, and to be more hands-on in a male-dominated area,” Isabel said.

“I’ve got a little son, and it’s always stereotypical that mum does this, and I want to challenge that. I’ll show him that we can do more. All women can do anything a man can, and I don’t reckon we should put gender roles into an industry where it doesn’t exist.

“I feel like more females need to step into an industry (trade) and do something different.”

As the only female student in her class, Isabel said she felt accepted by her peers.

“I don’t divide myself as a female with the class. I feel like we are all one and we’re all doing the same course,” she said.

“TAFE NSW is amazing. They’ve always helped me, and I’ve always had all the resources I need.

“It’s always hands-on learning. I’ve always got a teacher or someone else to help me if I have any queries.”

Born and raised in Young, Isabel hopes to become an ASP Level 2 Electrician — a qualified professional with additional training and accreditation to handle more complex electrical tasks than a standard electrician.

“I want to learn every aspect of the electrical industry,” she said.

TAFE NSW Wagga Wagga electrotechnology teacher Christine Stidwill said there was an increase in the number of female students pursuing trades at TAFE.

“When I was here (TAFE) as an apprentice, I was the only one, but now there’s probably two or three in every class,” Ms Stidwill said.

“It is great. The more the merrier, and (female students are) more than capable of doing trades just like the guys do.”

Ms Stidwill said those who were hesitant about entering a male-dominated trade should try programs like ‘Try a Trade’.

“We offer various programs that allow women to spend a day exploring plumbing, building, and electrical trades,” she said.

“Once they get their foot in the door, they often realise it’s not as intimidating as it seems.

“At TAFE, students typically start with theory in the morning and focus on practical skills in the afternoon.

“It’s a hands-on trade that involves learning wiring techniques, the necessary maths, and the underpinning knowledge behind it.”

Transitioning from being a student to being a teacher, Ms Stidwill loves her role of passing on knowledge.

“I wish I’d done teaching a lot earlier. I love it, and it’s great,” she said.

“As you get older in the trade, you don’t want to climb through roofs and under houses, so it works well like that too.”