Zoya’s Journey: From Bulgaria to Building a Career in Electrics
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry
When Zoya first moved from Bulgaria to the UK fifteen years ago, she never imagined she would one day be working as a qualified electrician. With two children, a grandchild, and another on the way, her journey is not only one of professional success but also one of resilience, family commitment, and breaking barriers in a male-dominated trade.
From Bulgaria to the UK
Zoya’s move to the UK began when her husband relocated for work. Shortly after, she joined him through a Bulgarian company that had projects in London. Her first role was in a hotel near Piccadilly Circus, where her team worked on ventilation systems. When her contract with the Bulgarian company ended, she found herself working directly with the main contractor, and this was the moment she discovered electrics.
“I had no previous experience at all. In Bulgaria, I did completely different things. But when I started working on control plates for hotel rooms; the sockets, the curtain controls, that’s how I first stepped into the world of electricity.”
Learning from Scratch
Starting from zero was not easy. Zoya admits the hardest part was simply understanding how electrics worked. She began her journey at RMA Stewart as an apprentice under a patient mentor who taught her the basics, and soon after, she enrolled in college to gain qualifications while balancing full-time work and family responsibilities.
Her days started at 3 a.m., with hours spent studying, practicing, working, and then returning home to take care of her family.
“It was tough, but I got used to it. I would get up very early, go to college, work all day, then go home and do the housework. It doesn’t bother me anymore; it became my routine.”
Working in a Male-Dominated Industry
For Zoya, being one of the few women in the electrical trade came with unique challenges. Physically demanding tasks like pulling heavy cables and chasing walls could be harder, but she never let that stop her.
“Sometimes it’s difficult physically, but most of the time people have been respectful. There were a few who weren’t, but I don’t waste energy talking about them. What matters is knowing what you’re doing and loving what you do.”
Her experiences highlight both the progress and the challenges that still exist for women in trades. She notes that opportunities in the UK are far greater than in Bulgaria, where employers often doubted a woman’s ability to work in electrics.
Building a Better Future
Zoya’s determination paid off not only in her career but also for her family. When she and her husband first arrived in the UK, they shared a rented house with other families. Today, thanks to Zoya’s determination and perseverance in her chosen career, they now own a home of their own.
“The main thing was the career progression. It helped us move from renting to buying our own home. That was such a big achievement for my family.”
Words of Inspiration
Zoya’s story is a testament to perseverance and courage. She encourages other women to give the trade a chance:
“Just give it a try. You will succeed and if not, you can always try something else. But you won’t know unless you try.”
Reflecting on her own journey, she wishes she had taken more risks earlier in life.
“I wasn’t very confident when I was younger, especially with two children. I just worked whatever jobs I could find. If I could go back, I’d tell myself to take more risks.”
Her philosophy today is simple but powerful:
“Just keep trying. Keep doing what you love doing.”
Zoya’s journey from Bulgaria to becoming a respected electrician in the UK shows what is possible when determination, family, and passion come together. In an industry still largely dominated by men, she stands as proof that with hard work and perseverance, women can and do, thrive.
