Samantha Lawler explains her career path from electrical apprentice to business owner and why she thinks a career in the electrical industry now offers more opportunities than ever
Debbie Shields | Communications Manager
Samantha Lawler has been a trailblazer for women in the construction industry for the last three decades. Her career has seen her explore multiple opportunities, from an electrical apprentice to a business owner and she now helps train young people as they complete their apprenticeships as well as experienced electricians as an NICEIC trainer.
Speaking on her experience, Samantha, said: “I didn’t particularly excel in the classroom, I knew I wanted to work in a hands-on environment so applied for an apprenticeship at the age of 18. I had the best possible start at NG Bailey and became a gold card electrician in 2000. As the first ever female apprentice at NG Bailey’s Birmingham branch, there were challenges of being a woman on site, especially early on, but fortunately I was well supported, and I took it all in my stride which allowed me to develop my skills and set myself up for a career in the industry.
“As a qualified electrician, I have enjoyed many different roles including as an estimator, operations director and business owner. I always loved being on site and now enjoy being able share my knowledge and experience with the next generation of electricians.
“I always try to make the case for how many different opportunities there are within the industry. Once you have learnt your fundamental skills and have qualified, you can go in so many different directions.
“It’s imperative that we champion that being an electrician is a skill for life and is something you can always come back to. Especially as I look around now at the skills the country needs for the future, in decarbonisation, solar, EVs and robotics, these are all high skilled careers that can be incredibly rewarding and make a real impact. We should be shouting about them to make sure that young people, thinking about their futures, know what fantastic options are open to them in this industry.”
Speaking on her experience, Samantha, said: “I didn’t particularly excel in the classroom, I knew I wanted to work in a hands-on environment so applied for an apprenticeship at the age of 18. I had the best possible start at NG Bailey and became a gold card electrician in 2000. As the first ever female apprentice at NG Bailey’s Birmingham branch, there were challenges of being a woman on site, especially early on, but fortunately I was well supported, and I took it all in my stride which allowed me to develop my skills and set myself up for a career in the industry.
“As a qualified electrician, I have enjoyed many different roles including as an estimator, operations director and business owner. I always loved being on site and now enjoy being able share my knowledge and experience with the next generation of electricians.
“I always try to make the case for how many different opportunities there are within the industry. Once you have learnt your fundamental skills and have qualified, you can go in so many different directions.
“It’s imperative that we champion that being an electrician is a skill for life and is something you can always come back to. Especially as I look around now at the skills the country needs for the future, in decarbonisation, solar, EVs and robotics, these are all high skilled careers that can be incredibly rewarding and make a real impact. We should be shouting about them to make sure that young people, thinking about their futures, know what fantastic options are open to them in this industry.”
