Jennifer Dasilva: Taking Charge Of Her Career

Jennifer Dasilva’s mom had it right. She knew her daughter could do anything she wanted, including becoming an electrician and even encouraged her. Jennifer is now in an electrician apprenticeship program with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 1340. She is part of a growing number of women who are taking advantage of the great opportunities skilled careers offer them.

According to a New York Times March 2020 article, only 2.4 percent of electricians are women. And, while women make up almost half of today’s workforce, of all the skilled careers in the nation, only around 8.9 percent are women.

For Jennifer, this path was an easy choice. She previously worked in an office job where much of the work was repetitive and monotonous. She knew the reputation of the IBEW and felt she would be learning from the best. With her apprenticeship, she has classes two nights a week and works a full-time job in the field to learn the ropes, and makes money while she is learning. As far as the work, though it can be physical at times, it is intellectually stimulating and it feels good at the end of the day when you see the results of your efforts. She now has a sense of pride and accomplishment in what she is doing. And, as her jobs have been for NASA, the shipyards, and the military, Jennifer also feels she is supporting her country.

Women are nothing new to the IBEW, they have been included since 1912 when they were phone operators. I asked Jennifer why these types of jobs need more women. She felt that “women add to the diversity, which is so important as diversity helps drives innovation and supports the success of the trade.” Many employers feel the same way. As women complete many of the local apprenticeship programs, they often have jobs waiting for them as companies line up to hire them. With more women entering skilled careers, they help to pave the way for other women. Not to mention the pay -- no matter who you are, your earnings are based on the job, not your gender or what you look like.

Jennifer Dasilva Works Like A Girl. You can too. For more info, click here.