The bright spark that’s blazing a trail

Annalise is an electrical installation apprentice with Noble Electrical in Birmingham.  With another apprentice and a supervisor, she provides light installations and rewiring services for homes and some factories.  She spends one day each week in college studying a Level 3 electrical installation course. 

I got switched on

“A few weeks into my college course, I heard there was an apprenticeship going with a local company.  I just had to go for it. 

“I liked being in college, but the idea of getting real work experience appealed to me a whole lot more.”

Very techy

“My work can involve anything from changing plug sockets to installing extractor fans.  It’s less about getting your hands dirty and more about having the technical knowledge to solve problems. 

“The wiring can be complicated, especially in a traditional or old property.  You have to find a way to complete the rewiring in small stages – the fewer the better.  There’s a real sense of achievement when you’ve sorted things out.

“I’m now at the stage where I’m allocated an entire room to work in.  In a bathroom for example, I will fit all the lights, an extractor fan, shaving socket and a towel rail.  I just get on and get it done.”

An electronic shock isn’t my biggest challenge, it’s wasps nests

“I have gone into some lofts and come across a wasp’s nest.  That’s about the only challenging thing I’ve backed away from!”

Higher heights

“Factory jobs can be a totally different experience.  I once helped to fit the emergency lighting in a large warehouse and got in a cherry picker to do it.  That was an unforgettable experience.  It made me aware of my surroundings from every angle.”

Ladies, where are you?

“I think it’s a shame there aren’t more women doing what I do. 

“I love the job.  I get praised by people for being a female taking on work like this – it’s a nice feeling.”