Outline:
Overcoming Challenges in the Construction Industry
Katelyn Cummins, the Rose of Tralee winner, is making waves in the construction industry as an apprentice electrician. Her journey has not been easy, especially given the challenges she faced when trying to enter the field. Despite her passion and determination, she encountered significant obstacles from potential employers who doubted her capabilities simply because of her gender.
Just two years ago, Katelyn spent four months searching for a job in the construction sector. During this time, she was repeatedly turned down by male employers who claimed the work was too dirty or physically demanding for women. Comments such as “we work in tight spaces, she wouldn’t like that” or “we’re down in sewage plants, she wouldn’t like that” were common. The phrase “she wouldn’t be able for it” became a recurring theme, which greatly affected her confidence during the job search.
Despite these setbacks, Katelyn chose to pursue an apprenticeship in electrical work instead of going to university. She made the decision to skip the traditional academic path after realizing that an apprenticeship could provide hands-on experience and a stable career.
Increasing Female Participation in Construction
The construction industry has long struggled with a lack of female representation. A few years ago, only 6% of workers in the sector were women. However, recent data shows some progress, with the percentage rising to 9%. While this is still far below parity, it marks a significant increase from the 2% recorded in 2018.
According to statistics from Solas and the Department of Higher Education, there are now 2,580 women registered as apprentices, compared to just 50 in 2018. Participation in craft apprenticeships, including electrical work, has grown from 11 registrations in 2016 to 191 in 2024. The Department of Further and Higher Education also reported a 154% increase in female participation over the past five years due to government campaigns aimed at encouraging more women to join the industry.
Changing Perceptions and Encouraging Young Women
Katelyn believes that social attitudes play a major role in the gender imbalance within the construction sector. She emphasized the need for better awareness of career opportunities in the industry, especially among school-leavers.
She said: “There needs to be more talk about options in secondary school. Students need to be made aware that there are so many other options than college because an apprenticeship is amazing.”
Katelyn also pointed out the stigma surrounding university education, noting that it can be difficult to find employment after graduation. In contrast, an apprenticeship allows individuals to earn while they learn and gain valuable experience that leads directly to a job.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Winning the Rose of Tralee has given Katelyn a platform to inspire young women across the country. Since her victory, she has received numerous messages from girls who say she has motivated them to consider careers in the trades.
One girl even sent her a handwritten card expressing how Katelyn’s story inspired her to become an electrician after finishing her Leaving Cert. Katelyn described the response as heartwarming and meaningful.
She shared: “The amount of girls, even my own age or maybe even younger or slightly older, just texting me and being like, ‘you’ve inspired me’, ‘I’m going to leave college now’ or ‘I realised that I don’t like what I’m doing in my job – I’m going to go and do this instead’.”
Looking Ahead
Katelyn is excited to return to work on Monday after her win, but she is also looking forward to the events associated with the Rose of Tralee over the next 12 months.
Seán Downey, director of safety, education, and training at the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), praised Katelyn’s enthusiasm and dedication. He said: “It’s great to see a young woman so excited about her career and future in construction. Katelyn is a great example of a young person who has made a decision to join the construction sector and gone for it. No doubt she will have a fantastic future.”
Katelyn’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that perseverance and passion can break through barriers and create new opportunities for others.