27 April 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Women signing up to skilled trade change
Case study on Checkatrade member Charlotte Riddle
SUMMARY
Article published:- Kent on Sunday, Frost Magazine, Your Canterbury.co.uk, yourdeal-sandwich.co.uk, yourmaidstone.co.uk, yourashford.co.uk, yourmedway.co.uk, yourshepway.co.uk, Malling Chronicle
PRESS RELEASE
An increasing number of women are considering a change in career to prepare for the eventual recovery of the property market.
According to a survey conducted by the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) 63% of women aged 16 - 24 said they were more interested in learining a skilled trade rather than a profession. The most popular job among those polled was an electrician (35 %) followed by carpentry (21%) and plumbing (20 %).
West Malling resident Charlotte Riddle, 30, set up her own business after obtaining City & Guilds qualifications in electrical installations and inspecting/testing equipment, as well as a Level 3 NVQ. She said "I think one of the main reasons we see few female electricians is a lack of awareness. We need to inform young women that careers in electrical engineering are accesible, highly rewarding and not restricted to men, so there is no need for apprehension. Many people looking for an electrician think it will be a man coming to call. Indeed, some take me for the receptionist when I answer the office phone and they ask what time "he" - the electrician - will be arriving. This is not sexism, just natural assumptions people make because the trade is so male-dominated. However, these old-fashioned attitudes need to change".
After qulaifying as an electrician Charlotte became Part P registered to comply with building regulations and went into partnership with her father. She says their business - Connected Domestic Electricians - has built up a wide client base and is prospering despite the difficult economic climate. "It can be exhausting sometimes", she added "Luckily I have my father on board to help out. We work as a team to get jobs done on time, within budget. Newly-qualified electricians looking to start their own business should consider partnership rather than going it alone. They can't teach you everything at college: much of what you learn is on the job.
Charlottes company is one of many registered with Checkatrade which helps people avoid cowby builders by providing a free directory of vetted tradespeople and service providers across the UK. Managing Director Kevin Byrne said: "It is great to see more women opting for hands-on careers. It means the number of independent female traders registering with us will rise.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
Checkatrade helps combat the UK's rogue trader problem by continuously vetting and monitoring local traders such as builders, plumbers and electricians. The idea was born in 1998 after a tornado hit the small West Sussex town of Selsey. Traders poured in from as far away as Liverpool and Manchester. Unfortunately, some ripped off the inhabitants of the town. Local businessman, Kevin Byrne, realised there was nowhere to check out the traders’ credentials and the company that became Checkatrade was formed.
Since then, Checkatrade has grown to include over 6,300 genuine trade members, growing by an average 120 new members every month, and, via the Royal Mail, distributes 5.9 million directories a year into communities throughout Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Dorset and Berkshire, while the website includes traders from across the UK.
CONTACT INFORMATION
PR / Marketing, Checkatrade
5 - 6 Sherrington Mews, Ellis Square, Selsey, West Sussex, PO20 0FJ
Tel: 01243 601234
Fax: 01243 601246
info@checkatrade.com
