As part of Women in Construction Week (March 1–7, 2026), Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain (IECRM) is celebrating the women shaping the electrical and construction trades. Today, IECRM is proud to highlight Alexandra Eitel, a first-year apprentice at BirdWire Electrical.
Eitel said her decision to pursue an electrical apprenticeship was driven by a desire to gain hands-on skills and confidence.
“Acquiring the skills and confidence to physically alter and build my environment prompted me to pursue an electrical career,” she shared. “Each project completed adds fuel to the fire and keeps me motivated to advance.”
Like many entering the trades, Eitel faced an internal hurdle before beginning her journey.
“The hardest part is starting,” she said. “Time passed before I had the courage to commit to my apprenticeship. It can feel like it is never a good time to make a change or start, but just do it. You will figure it out and make it work.”
Now underway in her apprenticeship, Eitel says she is grateful she took the leap.
“I am very happy that I have begun my journey,” she said. “Even though it may be non-traditional, the framework is there and that is something that is used to build a future.”
Eitel also emphasized the importance of visibility and representation in the industry.
“Everyone should be present in every industry,” she said. “Different perspectives, backgrounds, cultures, ideas, strengths, weaknesses — all are important to obtain a comprehensive and high quality culture. With that being said, women are very important and need to be a part of the construction trades.”
When asked what an inclusive and supportive workplace looks like, Eitel pointed to lowering barriers to entry and creating intentional support systems.
“I love the idea of lowering barriers to entry,” she said. “Women, as a minority in the construction trades, do have unique challenges. It can be incredibly intimidating to enter a trade that you know is 98% men and you will have to ‘prove’ that you can ‘keep up.’ Lack of mentorship and leadership, sometimes an aggressive and hostile environment, and prejudice around strength and competence.”
She added that small, intentional steps can make a significant impact.
“Small SOPs and awareness travel a long way in promoting an easier pathway to entry into the trades for women,” Eitel said. “Team meetings or social events where everyone participates, a structured mentorship or development program, and creating and assigning collaboration groups to allow members to work together and converse in a more acute environment are all examples that could be implemented with little overhead.”
Through stories like Eitel’s, IECRM continues to spotlight the women helping to build the future of the electrical industry.
Join us in celebrating Women in Construction Week, March 1–7, 2026. Post your photos and tag them with #WICWeek #iecrm #IECRMstudent!
