We Need to Engage More Women in the Industry. Me included
Jim Taggart
I have been told by members that “for the long-term health of the electrical industry, it is important for women be fairly represented.”
I sincerely believe in this statement and know it to be fact. According to a study conducted by Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC), “women represent only one quarter of the electricity and renewable energy workforce.” EFC’s own research indicates that EFC members are projecting business growth over the next three years. Businesses are also expecting to replace employees as a result of imminent retirement and possible employee turnover. With overall Canadian demographics skewed in a downward shift, the industry will need to realign their employment intentions to hire entry-level employees in order to keep pace with the demands of the marketplace.
For an industry facing significant labour market challenges, we must engage this under-represented group. So, if drawing women into our industry is important, what specifically have I done to support it?
True, through normal business practices, I have:
• effectively worked with women and am pleased to be on a team with them
• promoted women and men equally
• encouraged women to be part of EFC committees and the Board of Directors
• no issue in having a women as a boss
The above practices are adequate, but really, they required no effort on my part; it was just about trying to be fair. However, I have done nothing special to help champion the issue. So, I admit, I have not done enough.
This admission comes in light of the facts that:
• I readily admit, my mother is the strongest person I know and I owe much of my success to her
• I have a daughter entering the workforce and I have made her believe that she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to
If status quo is not acceptable, what can be done to help?
• I can:
o mutually build a mentoring rapport with a high potential female employee
o convince other industry leaders to do the same
• The industry can:
o provide information to women who want to learn more about our industry
o line up resources with members’ needs (facilitate connections)
o highlight the required shift from legacy to new generation electrical systems; for growth to continue, CHANGE MUST HAPPEN
o conduct a seminar like NAED’s “Women in Industry Bootcamp” — ensure women are introduced to components that educate in areas of professional development and identification of key issues transforming the electrical market in Canada
• An individual member can:
o admit that they need to change their thinking and business practices
o specifically provide women with career opportunities
o provide training and a support structure to ensure retention
To date, I have not done enough to champion the issue of helping women enter and succeed in the electrical industry, but at least I started by admitting it and writing this article.
I’m committed to starting. How about you?
Read more in CEW from Jim Taggart:
– We Need to Engage More Women in the Industry. Me included
– Not Your Typical Industry Association
– Breaking Through the Age Barrier
– Amazon: Friend, Foe or Frenemy?
– Electrical Industry – Mergers and Acquisition
– Understanding and Responding to Disparity
Profile: Jim Taggart: A Steady Hand, A Stellar Career
Jim Taggart is President, Electro-Federation Canada.
