Award-winner Ellis stars in film for Scottish Apprenticeship Week and International Women’s Day
A talented young electrical apprentice has taken her place in the spotlight in an inspiring SELECT video for Scottish Apprenticeship Week (SAW) and International Women’s Day (IWD).
Ellis Stevenson, who lives in Elgin and attends UHI Moray College, reveals how she turned her childhood curiosity for finding out how things worked into a hands-on career.
And the talented apprentice – who works for home town firm and SELECT Member business Campbell & McHardy Ltd – insists that women CAN thrive in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Ellis, 21, who is in her fourth year of electrical training, tells viewers: “I was practical growing up and my mum says I was always ripping toys apart and putting them back together, so I enjoy problem solving.
“I also knew that being an electrician meant I would always have a job because of the high demand for electrical work.
“It’s really satisfying seeing a job from start to finish for each stage. I also enjoy that you’re not just sat in a classroom every day and that you’re earning at the same time.”
Produced by SELECT and the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), the video was released ahead of IWD on 8 March and is entitled Made for Business, which is the theme of this year’s SAW, which runs from 3-7 March.
While acknowledging that being a woman in a male-dominated trade presents challenges, Ellis says she’s has noticed a positive change in the industry during her training.
She explains: “Being a female in a male dominant job is a challenge and you do get the odd comment but I don’t let it get to me and I’m kind of used to it now.
“I’d also say there’s definitely been a shift in the last four years I’ve been working. The first two years, I didn’t meet any other women on the job. But recently I was working in Kinross and most of the painters were female, so it was nice to see other women on site.”
Ellis was joint winner of both the SECTT 2nd Stage Apprentice of the Year Award in 2023 and UHI Moray College Apprentice of the Year Award in 2024, and also competed in the heats for the prestigious UK SkillELECTRIC finals last summer.
And in the film she says her success has been down to the invaluable support she’s received from UHI Moray College lecturer Iain McBean and SECTT Training Officer Craig Johnston.
She reveals: “I was chuffed to bits when I got top of my class just for the college, but then to go on compete in the finals in Edinburgh and win was really good. There were about 850 apprentices in the year so it felt amazing.
“I get great support from Iain and Craig – I can just message them a question about any issues I’m having and they answer very swiftly.”
Ellis says her goal now is to pass her Final Integrated Competence Assessment (FICA) to become a qualified electrician and then continue learning and growing.
She says: “I want to take any training or education I can get along the way. I know that if you’re interested and willing to work hard, it will all pay off.”
Catherine Gillon, Director of Employment Affairs at SELECT, said: “Ellis embodies the values of Scottish Apprenticeship Week – she is ambitious, talented and committed to her career and we are proud to see more women entering the industry and excelling as apprentices.
“In celebrating SAW and IWD, Ellis stands as an inspiration for young people, especially women, who are considering a career in the electrical industry. Her story is proof that with determination, support and the right work ethic, apprentices can truly light up their futures.”
Fiona Harper, CEO of SECTT, added: “Ellis is a shining example of the power of apprenticeships. Her passion, dedication, and success demonstrate the incredible opportunities available in the electrical industry. She has a terrific future ahead of her.”