While Ireland is making strides towards greater gender balance in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sector women remain underrepresented in the trades sector.

Currently, only 5.2 % of state apprenticeships are taken by women, and just 9.1 % of Ireland’s construction workforce is female. But there has been progress: 60% of Irish teenage girls now cite gender inequality as a barrier to STEM careers, down from 83% in 2021, according to a 2024 survey.

Suir Engineering’s current portfolio of ten female apprentices are determined to challenge stereotypes and break barriers, proving that careers in trades are for everyone.

Sophie, Kelly, 20, Apprentice Electrician. After working in the office of a data centre project being built in Frankfurt, Liverpool native Sophie Kelly quickly realised that she’d much prefer being out on site than at a desk. A year into her training, Sophie said being a girl on-site is no longer something she notices.

Sophie said: “I’d advise my younger self to be open to careers like this in construction as it took me a while to consider doing the job I do now, but I am glad I eventually made this decision and genuinely enjoy what I do.”

Sophie, who hopes to eventually take on a supervisor role, said another apprentice she worked with was a big reason she decided to do an apprenticeship: “Although I knew I enjoyed being on site, I naturally had doubts about being there as a girl,” she said.

“He encouraged me to not feel intimidated by this and know I was just as capable to do the job. My advice to other girls thinking of entering this field is to not feel intimidated and just be confident.”

Sarah Quilligan, 23, Apprentice Electrician – Like Sophie, Limerick native Sarah Quilligan, who joined Suir Engineering in May 2024, is the first woman in her family to pursue a trade. Sarah says she is following in the footsteps of her father, who is also an electrician.

“I love a hands-on job where everyone can learn from each other. It’s such a good experience,” Sarah shared. Her advice to women considering a trade? “Do what makes you happy, not what everyone else wants.”

Dominique Knight, 19, Apprentice Electrician – Likewise, Dominique Knight from Kilkenny joined Suir Engineering in October 2024, drawn to the idea of working in a physical, fast-paced environment rather than a traditional office job.

“I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands, and every day on site is a learning curve,” she said. “One of the most surprising things I’ve learned is that I don’t get treated any differently than anyone else. That’s how it should be, and it’s a good thing.”

Looking ahead, Dominique hopes to become a qualified “Spark” (electrician) and eventually move into a leadership role as a chargehand or supervisor. Encouraging more women to consider a trade, she said: “More girls are joining building sites, so the old stereotypes are disappearing.”

Apprenticeships like Suir Engineering’s Apprentice programme provide a structured, hands-on pathway into the trades without the need for a university degree.

In December 2024, Suir Engineering launched a pioneering Centre of Excellence in its City West Office to support the state’s SOLAS training programmes, reinforcing its commitment to growing Ireland’s skilled workforce.

Suir Engineering’s apprenticeship programme offers permanent positions in electrical and electrical & instrumentation trades. The training spans 208 weeks across seven phases, alternating between:

“Apprentices can earn and learn while gaining an internationally recognized qualification. They’ll also have the opportunity to work on leading-edge projects in energy, power, renewables, data centres, and life sciences. It’s a fantastic career path for anyone looking to become an expert in their field, said Suir Engineering Chief Operations Officer (COO) Brendan Moley.”