Riley McBride is a first-year apprentice electrician and recent Mott Electric GP Women in Electrical Bursary recipient.
We met up with Riley to learn more about her motivation for pursuing electrical as well as her own personal advice for women thinking of joining the trades.
WHY ELECTRICAL?
Riley’s original intent was to pursue a career in the plumbing trade, but on the advice of a teacher, explored a work experience opportunity in electrical. During the work experience placement, she had the opportunity to gain practical knowledge in the field of electrical trades. She goes on to explain the diversified jobs the field of trades has to offer and how sampling the possibilities can lead to a career determining discovery.
WORDS OF ADVICE
When asked about what advice she has for other women who are considering a career in the skilled trades, her advice is to try everything. Gaining any trades experience can open up an opportunity for you to be surprised, not only about what you like to do, but what you are capable of.
Along with her own personal experience, Riley also knows the importance of women sticking their ground and not running away from opportunities in a male dominated industry. “You have a right to be there,” shares Riley.
INDUSTRY SUPPORT
With a desire to move forward and gain her Red Seal Designation in electrical, she was grateful to learn of her selection as the Mott Electric GP Women in Electrical bursary recipient.
Likewise, she realizes the importance of companies who are out there providing support to women in the trades. Riley shared, “It shows that there is an opportunity for women in the trades specifically and there are tons of resources that women have in order to get them into the trades and to support them with their journey – people are supporting you and backing you up”.
Learn more about the Mott Electric GP Women in Electrical Bursary.
