• Was ist deine aktuelle Rolle und Organisation?

I work as a qualified electrician for Saint-Gobain. My job involves installing and maintaining electrical systems, often on projects that help save energy and are better for the environment.

• Wie lange sind Sie schon im Bereich der grünen Technologie tätig?

I have been working in green tech for about 4 to 5 years, starting during the later part of my apprenticeship.

• Was hat Sie dazu motiviert, in diesen Sektor einzusteigen?

I come from a farming background, so I was always used to manual work and working with my hands. That made me interested in a practical career. During my apprenticeship, I also became interested in how electrical work can help reduce energy use and protect the environment, which is what motivated me to stay in this sector.

Beschreiben Sie die wichtigsten Hindernisse in der Karriere des Vorbilds.

Prompt-Fragen

• Was waren die schwierigsten beruflichen oder persönlichen Herausforderungen?

One of the biggest challenges I faced was being one of the few women in a very male-dominated trade. At times, I felt I had to prove myself more than others just to be taken seriously.

Starting my apprenticeship was also stressful. It was hard to get accepted into the programme, and at the beginning, the wages were very low, which made things difficult financially. Learning complex electrical systems while adapting to a fast-paced work environment was challenging too, especially in those early stages.

• Wie haben sich diese Herausforderungen auf Ihre berufliche Entwicklung ausgewirkt?

Luckily, Saint-Gobain is very supportive of women in construction. They celebrate women in the trade and try their best to empower and encourage women to choose a career with them. Their support made it easier to keep going and build confidence.

These challenges slowed me down at first, but overcoming them helped me grow professionally. I learned to trust my skills, ask for support when needed, and take on bigger projects, which has been key to advancing in my career.

Erklären Sie, wie Herausforderungen gemeistert wurden.

Prompt-Fragen

• Welche Maßnahmen, Strategien oder Fähigkeiten haben Ihnen geholfen, Hindernisse zu überwinden?

I overcame these challenges by staying determined and being willing to learn from every experience. I focused on improving my skills, asking questions when I didn’t understand something, and not being afraid to take on new tasks, even if they felt difficult at first.

• Gab es Mentoren, Werkzeuge oder Netzwerke, die geholfen haben?

Yes, having mentors and supportive colleagues was really important. During my apprenticeship and in my job , I was able to learn from experienced electricians who guided me, gave advice, and encouraged me to keep going. The company also has networks and programs that support women in construction, which helped me feel more confident and included.

Practicing patience, staying resilient, and seeking support when I needed it were key strategies that helped me grow and succeed in my career.

Highlight key successes and contributions.

Prompt-Fragen

• Which projects or initiatives are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of working on a wide range of projects , from small residential homes to co-operative buildings and even huge infrastructure projects around the country. In all of these, I’ve helped install electrical systems that reduce energy use and improve overall sustainability. Being part of projects that make a real difference to how buildings consume energy has been very rewarding.

I’ve also been recognized within the company for my commitment and reliability, and I’ve been invited to share my experience with new apprentices, especially encouraging more women to join the trade. A highlight was two years ago when we, as women in construction, were invited to a reception with the Irish President Michael D. Higgins to celebrate women in construction and sustainability.

• How did your work contribute to sustainability or green tech innovation?

My work directly contributes to sustainability by supporting green tech initiatives, such as energy-saving electrical systems, renewable energy integrations, and efficient building designs. Knowing that the systems I install help reduce environmental impact makes me proud to be part of this sector.

Provide guidance for aspiring professionals.

Prompt-Fragen

• What advice would you give to someone entering the green tech industry?

My advice for anyone entering the green tech industry is to stay curious, be willing to learn, and don’t be afraid to get hands-on experience. Practical skills are just as important as knowledge, so take every opportunity to work on different projects and ask questions.

• What lessons have you learned that others should know?

I’ve learned that persistence and confidence are key, especially in a male-dominated trade. It’s normal to face challenges, but asking for help, finding mentors, and connecting with supportive networks can make a big difference.

Also, don’t underestimate the impact your work can have. Even small projects, like installing energy-efficient systems in a home, contribute to a more sustainable future. Believe in your skills, keep improving, and know that your work matters, not just for your career, but for the environment too.