Electrical installation apprentice paving the way for women in the trade

Ruby-Renee Voss, 19, is a second-year Electrical Installation apprentice at Leicester College and is already making a name for herself in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Ruby-Renee’s journey into the electrical trade began at a young age, growing up around her dad, a tradesman who runs his own company.

“Growing up, I was always around tradespeople and most of the conversations were about work and different trades, what's been going on on-site, and throughout the week,” Ruby-Renee explains.

Her defining moment came during a summer in secondary school, when she helped on one of her dad’s jobs.

“I helped one of the electricians with some work and in that moment, I loved it. It was so different and new to me - I was really intrigued.”

Sparking a passion

That experience sparked a passion that led her to pursue an apprenticeship at Leicester College, where Ruby-Renee now combines hands-on, on-site learning with classroom-based theory.

Ruby-Renee particularly enjoys the balance between practical work and academic study, finding the real-world application of her learning especially rewarding.

“Sometimes I forget that I'm actually getting paid to do the job I do because it seems so easy and fun, and just so interesting.”

Throughout her apprenticeship, Ruby-Renee has developed experience across domestic, commercial, and industrial settings, gaining a broad understanding of the trade and the wide range of opportunities it offers.

“There are so many different aspects to electrical work. People think it’s just houses, but you can work on commercial sites, industrial projects - there are so many levels and skills involved.”

Despite initial concerns about entering a male-dominated industry, Ruby-Renee has found the experience overwhelmingly positive.

“When I first started, I thought I’d be treated differently or feel like the odd one out, but I was completely wrong. I’ve been so welcomed that I forget it’s even a male-dominated field.”

Achieving national recognition

Ruby-Renee’s confidence and success have continued to grow. She is currently studying towards her Level 3 Electrician qualification and has already achieved notable recognition. She has featured on the BBC’s DIY SOS, taken part in a national competition for female electrical learners with Sparks Magazine, and was recently announced as one of the youngest semi-finalists in the Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2026 competition. For this competition, she was selected from over 3,000 applicants - with the chance to take home a career-boosting prize bundle of tools, training and technology worth £10,000.

Reflecting on her journey, Ruby-Renee said: “One year ago, I wouldn’t have imagined I’d be here. I’ve been the happiest I’ve ever been since starting my apprenticeship.”

Ruby-Renee also highlights the need for better awareness and encouragement in schools.

“I was never given the option to become an electrician at school, and I didn’t think it was something I could do. I’d love to see more encouragement for young women - and young people in general - to explore trades.”

Looking ahead

As she progresses through her apprenticeship, Ruby-Renee is focused on becoming fully qualified and continuing to build her skills, including completing the necessary testing and certifications within the trade.

She has also developed an interest in expanding her skillset further, including gaining experience in plastering to complement her electrical work.

In the long term, Ruby-Renee hopes to one day run her own company and is particularly passionate about creating opportunities for other women to enter and thrive in the construction and trades industry. Through this, she aims to help train and support more women in the field, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

Some of the quotes from Ruby-Renee in this article were sourced from an interview with the Leicester Mercury which can be viewed at https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/real-life/female-electrician-success-apprenticeship-competition-10874103 (available to premium subscribers only).