Page 28 - IEC Insights Mar-April2020

FEATURE

FILLING THE VOID

IEC Dallas Hits a

Record High with

Female Apprentices

BY LUISA REYES

iversity is a subject that IEC IEC Dallas has hit an all-time high with who are willing to mentor the female
is exploring. We want to increased enrollment of women in their apprentices. Although IEC Dallas strives
increase the number of women apprenticeship program this past school to increase the female population, all
interested in the electrical year. IEC Dallas is proud to be part of the services are available for all apprentices.
Dindustry. The number of effort to attract women to the electrical
female electricians is increasing at an industry. This semester alone, IEC Dallas IEC Dallas has also made it a point to
exceptionally slow pace and we want to enrolled 23 female apprentices. For reflect the diversity of the industry by
do our part to make a positive change. the chapter’s second and third-year the staff it employs. You see female
In 2018, 97% of all electricians were male apprentices, retention rate is at 100%. support staff and instructors such as
and less than 3% were women according When asked, Jerry Thomas, Executive one of their graduates, Kelly Mattingly,
to Data USA. This increased from the Director, says, “word of mouth advertising who teaches their first-year curriculum.
2009 census data where women held helped boost our enrollment of women It’s always helpful when someone can
less than 1% of all electrician jobs. The this year.” IEC Dallas encouraged all see themselves in the industry already.
time is now to attract females to the of their apprentices to invite other
electrical industry, as women make up women they know and/or work with to Going forward, IEC Dallas will continue
the majority of the US labor force. consider the apprenticeship program. to emphasize successes of women in
the electrical industry who have forged
We have started paving the way As a way to support these female great careers for themselves and
with our first female president of apprentices, IEC Dallas has created a rely on the wonderful women in their
the association, Candy Branham of mentorship program. The goal of the community to continue spreading the
Branham Electric in St. Peters, MO. We mentorship program is to provide a word about the apprenticeship program.
are looking forward to seeing how IEC sounding board and a safe place to voice
will thrive under her leadership. We are any concerns, including workplace issues To learn more about IEC Dallas,
also supporting the new generation of such as threats, or harassment. The visit iecdallas.com.
electricians with our Emerging Leaders female apprentices also receive tutoring
program, a program that provides if they are having any difficulties with Luisa is the Chapter Development
a number of courses and programs the coursework. IEC Dallas is fortunate to Manager for IEC National.
to the next generation of leaders. receive support of this mentoring program
by having contractors’ spouses and alumni

26 Insights Magazine | March/April 2020 | www.ieci.org