• Posted: May 11, 2024
• Amanda Blair, Balancing career and family, Career advancement, Community service, Construction Industry, Electrician, Empowerment, Female electricians, Gender diversity in the trades, IBEW Local 134, Mentorship, Motherhood, Sisters of IBEW Local 134, Support network, Working moms

 

At the age of 8, Amanda Blair was introduced to the construction industry. As she grew up, she eventually decided to follow in the footsteps of her grandfather and father, who were both electricians with IBEW Local 134. Blair began her journey in the electrical field by starting as a trainee. Through dedication and hard work, she became a first-year apprentice in 2017, which marked the beginning of her career as an electrician.

Today, Amanda serves as the President of the Sisters of IBEW Local 134. This organization provides a place for women across all job classifications within IBEW Local 134 to discuss, collaborate, and resolve issues specific to their experiences in the electrical industry.

Breaking into a traditionally male-dominated industry as a woman

Throughout the years, the construction industry has made significant strides to become a more inclusive environment, although being a woman in a male-dominated industry can still be challenging sometimes:

“Not everyone is welcoming of the idea of a woman on a construction site, but that’s okay because everyone is entitled to their opinion. What matters is that you stay true to yourself and continue to improve your skills, which will show in your character and work quality,” said Blair. “The more we can work together, the more that we can achieve, not only as women but as brothers and sisters.”

Providing support and resources to empower other tradeswomen to succeed

Support is an important part of succeeding at any job, especially one that presents unique challenges, which is where the Sisters of IBEW Local 134 play a vital role in providing the resources that allow women to thrive in the construction industry.

“We are a huge family, coming together to support one another. If any of our sisters have questions or problems, we are always there to listen and uplift them, whether they’re struggling with technical skills or personal growth,” said Blair. “By utilizing our resources and bettering ourselves, we aim to increase the retention of women in construction and Local 134. We strive to improve as individuals and as a family because having allies is crucial.”

Balancing a career in the trades with motherhood

In addition to her role with the Sisters of IBEW Local 134, Amanda is also a proud mother. 

“My little guy’s three, and he definitely keeps me on my toes, but it really has its perks. He puts on my hard hat all the time and says, ‘I want to be just like you.’ It’s a very proud moment,” said Blair. 

Motherhood is a full-time job, and balancing family life with a career can be challenging. As a member of the Sisters of IBEW Local 134, female electricians have the opportunity to connect with a network of women who understand one another’s experiences. They have firsthand knowledge of the joys and difficulties of juggling motherhood and a career.

“Being a working mom is challenging, but all of the sisters have agreed that if a mother comes to us and says, ‘Hey, I just found out I’m pregnant,’ we uplift each other. We can have baby shower parties and send packages if someone is in need,” said Blair. “As women in construction, we are often hard on ourselves and feel isolated, thinking we shouldn’t ask for help because we’re supposed to be strong. But what really makes us strong is being able to lean on each other and be there for one another as not only sisters but mothers too.”

And it’s this sisterhood that has supported Blair throughout her career and empowered her to achieve accomplishments like becoming a Journeyman-Wireman with IBEW Local 134, and taking the credits from her apprenticeship to earn her Associates Degree in Electrical Construction from Richard J. Daley College. Blair is currently working on getting her Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Technology and Management from ITT.

Blair doesn’t stop there. She is also committed to giving back to her community and serving as a mentor to other IBEW Local 134 electricians.

“I take pride and honor in giving back to our communities, from Rebuild Together to mentoring three sophomores until they graduate from Our Lady of Tepeyac High School located in the Little Village Neighborhood. Mentoring allows me to give back and empower the next generation of women. I’m mentoring a mentee with the IBEW Connections to Success Mentorship Program, I couldn’t have envisioned a greater path to take in life than becoming a part of the IBEW,” said Blair.

As Blair continues to lead the Sisters of IBEW Local 134 and inspire the next generation of women in the electrical industry, she proves that with the right resources and mindset, women can successfully navigate the challenges of balancing motherhood and a rewarding career in the trades.