Elektrikerinnen

Elektrikerinnen are women who perform the profession of electrical installation, maintenance, and repair. The term is the feminine form of the German noun Elektriker and reflects gender-specific language used in German-speaking countries. Female electricians work in the same industries as their male counterparts, including residential and commercial construction, industrial plants, telecommunications, and public infrastructure projects. Their duties typically encompass the installation of wiring and circuit equipment, testing and troubleshooting electrical systems, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and performing preventive maintenance.

The professionalization of electricians dates back to the late 19th century, with formal apprenticeships becoming common around the early 20th century. Female participation in the field was historically limited due to social norms and occupational segregation. In the 1970s and 1980s, feminist movements and evolving labor laws in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland contributed to increased access for women to technical trades. Vocational training institutes began offering gender-neutral apprenticeships, and apprenticeship numbers for women slowly rose, though women remain underrepresented in the sector, comprising roughly 15–20 percent of registered electricians in Germany as of recent statistics.

Training for Elektrikerinnen follows the same dual system of classroom theory and on‑the‑job apprenticeship, typically lasting 3½ to 4 years. They must complete examinations set by the Chamber of Crafts (Handwerkskammer) and adhere to safety regulations outlined in the German Electricity Act (Stromgesetz). With the growing demand for renewable energy installations and smart-grid technologies, the field offers opportunities for career advancement, specialization, and entrepreneurship. Professional associations such as the German Electricians' Union (Zentralverband des Deutschen Elektrizitäts-Maschinenbaus) promote gender equality initiatives, mentoring programs, and networking events to support female electricians in career development.