Women In Trades Wednesday- Sophia Hattingh

Sophia is a second year electrical apprentice who is currently working in the industrial electrical space in the steel industry. A space she describes as “extremely male-dominated”.

 A trade career wasn’t where Sophia started out though. She studies design After doing design at university, and after spending a few years in the industry, she  decided to make the shift and get a trade.

 A typical day at for Sophia involves preventative maintenance on various machines, getting completely covered in dust and grime, picking up her boss’ tools after him and assisting him on breakdowns. 

On what she loves about her trade, Sophia has quite the list, including: “learning new skills, being able to work with my hands and keep active during the day. I love working 6.30 - 3 and being able to get to the beach after work!!”

Sophia’s biggest challenge has been night class studies- “having the energy to do school work for 3 hours after a full day’s work can be really tough – especially in the summer!” But then my greatest achievement has been passing all of year one.

 Sophia has big goals for the future- “I hope to have my own business at some point. But for now getting through the next three years on an apprentice wage is my main focus. That and passing exams!”

Sophia’s advice for anyone wanting to get into electrical (or any trade) is: “talk to as many people as you can in the trade about their job. I don't have any tradies in my family so whenever I met an electrician I would ask them hundreds of (probably really annoying) questions. But that gave me an idea for what to expect and where I might like to work etc. Also follow tradies on instagram!! I love seeing what other people - especially apprentices - are doing. Its also great for a bit of solidarity seeing other women in the trades :-) "