Electrician
My journey started when I left school and entered the electrical trade as an apprentice. At just 19, I completed my apprenticeship faster than anyone in the history of the program, becoming the youngest—and only—woman on site at the time. I also earned the award for Best Apprentice, and by my early 20s, I was a top earner for my age, defying expectations and standing out in an industry where women were a rare sight, especially in the early 2000s.
For 14 years, I thrived as a self-employed electrician, working in a tough, male-dominated environment. Whether it was enduring the long, physical hours, battling the cold and rain, or navigating the often-hostile atmosphere on site, I built my reputation through hard work and resilience. Then, fate took an unexpected turn—literally. I tripped over a health and safety hazard on site and broke my elbow.
That injury turned out to be my lucky break.