Female trades student tops electrical engineering

Amy McNaughton started out quiet in her electrical engineering class. Then she topped it.

But it didn't stop there - the Hamilton 21 year old was named Wintec's best trades student.Women made up 1.3 per cent of the electrician workforce in 2013, according to Census data, and McNaughton's been the only girl in her class for a while.

"You don't notice it. Maybe at first, but once you make friends, it's all sweet," she said.

Work experience did provide a couple of entertaining moments, though.

"People walk in and they'll be, like, hi guys, and they'll see me and be, like ... and girl. It's pretty funny."

McNaughton is in her last year of study and has been signed up for an apprenticeship at Wintec.

"At the end of this year I'll be registered and I just need my practising licence and I'll be fully qualified," she said.

Tutor Geoff Saxon describes McNaughton as dedicated and meticulous.

She was quiet at first, so he thought he'd keep an eye on her.

"It soon became pretty evident that this young lady could handle anything that was thrown at her," he said.

"She'll only ask one, maybe two, questions and before we know it, oh, how are you going Amy? I've nearly finished this

"She would just get in and do the job. End of story."

McNaughton was surprised she'd qualified for her recent awards - top electrical engineering student, and the top trades student overall.

"I didn't think I would win but I definitely thought I've got a chance, at least."

She's currently working on her National Certificate in Electrical Engineering, Level 4.

Wiring - and switching it on to find it all works - is one of the most satisfying aspects, she said.

It was a diploma in IT that got her started, after she was intrigued by a section on the basics of electrical engineering.

Her qualifications so far will lead into work as an electrician, and she might go on to a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering Technology.

Saxon was one of the tutors who put McNaughton forward for the top electrical engineering student and said he was like a proud dad when she won.

In fact, he was so pleased he forgot himself and gave her a hug.

There are only about one or two girls in his classes each year.

"I think now there's more respect than there was. You don't get the gender thing of saying what's a girl doing here, because they soon realise you're part of the team."

Click here to watch a video on Amy’s story.

Photo by Rebekah Parsons-King/Fairfax NZ