Lauren Owen joined Comserv as an Electrician Improver following a successful career in retail. Redundancy after the Covid-19 pandemic made her re-evaluate her career options, and fortunately she ended up joining us in September 2024. We asked Lauren to share her story with us. 

Tell me a bit about your background - where did you work before Comserv?

Before joining Comserv, I worked for H&M the fashion retailer for 16 years. I worked my way up within the company and worked in a variety of stores across the south coast but unfortunately I was made redundant due to Covid and this really highlighted my need for a change in career.

What made you decide to get into Electrical repairs? Did you consider any other trades?

I always wanted to learn a Trade but found it difficult to decide which one. I looked into lots of different college courses and Electrical installation was the one that stood out to me, I found it really interesting and wanted to learn more.

What was the course that you chose and, where did you study?

I attended Eastleigh college 1 day a week for 3 years to achieve my Level 2 and Level 3 City and Guild 2365 Electrical installation Diploma. This was an adult learners course so it was a small group of learners and we all become good friends but I was the only woman on my course.

How did you find the course?

It’s a big step to go back to college in your 30’s but I really enjoyed the course. I was going into this course with no previous experience or knowledge whatsoever! This was a complete career change. At first the course was daunting because there were so many units and exams but the college broke it down section by section to make it manageable and before I knew it, I had completed it.

What made you decide to join Comserv?

Comserv has a great reputation for training apprentices and although I had completed the college course the Improvers job was a perfect fit to bridge the gap between apprentice and qualified electrician. It offers an opportunity to learn from experienced tradesmen before going out to jobs alone.

How was the Application process?

I completed a telephone interview followed by a face-to-face interview. It was a very smooth process.

How have you found working with the other Operatives as an Improver?

There is such a big team of operatives, I’m almost certain I still haven’t met them all yet but the ones I have so far are great. Everyone has been very helpful and supportive. There is always someone I can turn to for advice or a second opinion. They are also a great bunch of people to keep you motivated and entertained with a bit of banter too.

How have you found it going into Tenant’s homes?

I enjoy going into tenanted homes, as there are always a variety of different experiences. You don’t often get the same job twice and with my customer service background I find it easy to communicate with different people from different backgrounds.

Do you mind me asking what is it like as a woman working in what is a male-dominated environment?

I was really nervous to start with that I wouldn’t be taken seriously as a woman in a trade job but its been the complete opposite. Everyone has been very welcoming and supportive. The tenants are usually surprised to see me, a woman, coming to repair or replace something, not in a negative way, its just not very common.

Would you recommend an Apprenticeship to a school leaver or someone who is considering a career/education change?

I would 100% recommend an Apprenticeship to anyone wanting to learn a trade. It’s the best way to learn with hands on experience. And to anyone thinking about a career change I would say go for it! It's scary at first but so worth it to find a job you love doing.

What would be your advice to any young girls who are considering a trade Apprenticeship?

If you see a trade that you're interested in, don’t let gender or age put you off. I have received all the same equal opportunities regardless of the stereotypes of trade workers. If you are willing to put in the hard work and effort to learn, there is nothing stopping you becoming whatever trade position you want and it would be great to see more women joining us!

What do you like about your job?

There are many aspects of the job I enjoy but I think the thing I like the most is being able to fix a problem. When you can give someone power again and tell them its all sorted, its very rewarding.

Would you like to help to train new Apprentices in the future?

Yes, definitely. I would love to pass on the knowledge and experience others have taught me.

What would you say to your younger self if you had your time over?

Don’t take so long to make that change and have the confidence in yourself to believe you can do it.  

Is there anything else that you would like to add?

My journey to where I am today has not been without obstacles and self doubt. I have a 7 year old son and finding a good balance of work/college/home life has been challenging. It was hard to make the decision to change career and I’m very grateful for the opportunity I have been given here at Comserv. They believe in me and are supporting me to become a qualified and confident Electrician.