Also read: ‘Tegnies onmoontlik om beurtkrag teen Desember te beëindig’ – Ramokgopa
In a world struggling to break down gender barriers, there are those who are determined to shatter the glass ceiling and pursue their passions regardless of societal expectations. One such individual is Pauline Bartman, a recent graduate of the Artisan Training Institute (ATI) who has not only completed her training and secured her trade license as an electrician, but also secured a permanent position as an electrician at Beefmaster Group, the largest private employer in Kimberley.
“Growing up in a small town in the Northern Cape, I always had an interest in fixing things and working with my hands. I initially wanted to become a mechanic, but due to a lack of opportunities I decided to pursue a career as an electrician,” she says.
Pauline’s journey to becoming an electrician was not an easy one. In a field dominated by men, women are still a rarity, with only a handful of female electricians worldwide.
According to a 2019 report by the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE), women make up only 4% of the electrical engineering workforce in South Africa. In 2020, the South African Department of Higher Education and Training reported that of the 21,340 students who completed their apprenticeships in various trades, only 1,864 were women. This represents less than 9% of all apprenticeship graduates in the country.
However, Pauline was not deterred by the lack of representation. After completing her high school education, she pursued electrical engineering studies at NCTVET.
“When I was finishing up at college I went for an interview to work as a semi-skilled electrician. On that same day Beefmaster Group invited me to an interview to hear about my interest in the apprenticeship program. I eventually chose the apprenticeship over the job,” she says.
The apprenticeship program was rigorous and demanding, with long hours and complex technical training.
“The biggest challenge was managing the transition in going from the books in college to a working environment and putting the knowledge into practice,” she explains.
During this time Pauline also faced the personal challenges of having to deal with losing her mother, and battling depression.
“Balancing all these elements was extremely difficult for me. What made it all worthwhile is getting my qualification, and being able to pursue a career in a field I’m passionate about.”
Pauline’s success in the male-dominated field of electrical engineering is significant because it challenges the gender stereotypes and biases that have long permeated the industry. She has proven that women can excel in traditionally male-dominated fields and that there is a place for women in the electrical engineering industry. Her achievement serves as an inspiration to other women who may have been discouraged from pursuing careers in male-dominated industries.
In addition to her technical skills, Pauline’s ability to communicate and work effectively with others has made her an invaluable member of the team at her current job. Her colleagues admire her positive attitude and commitment to excellence, and she has earned their respect as a skilled electrician and a hardworking individual.
As she continues to excel in her career, Pauline is poised to inspire a new generation of women to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated industries and to make their mark in the world. She says she is grateful for the opportunity presented by the programme and the support from Beefmaster Group, and has some advice for others who want to follow in a similar path.
“It requires hard work, dedication as well as discipline. Once you make up your mind that this is what you want to do, be consistent, don’t give up, and persevere, but above all, find the passion in it.”
Beefmaster Group’s apprenticeship programme is designed to foster industry-related critical and scarce skills. Since the start of the programme, Beefmaster Group has successfully trained 12 candidates. The company is of the belief that artisan training will be key to unlocking the country’s demand for scarce skills.
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Also read: ‘Tegnies onmoontlik om beurtkrag teen Desember te beëindig’ – Ramokgopa
