Tammy knew from a young age she wanted to be a tradie. Having a father like Allan – an electrician – helped to fuel that aspiration.
“I still remember going out to the shed when I was growing up, helping sort out my dad’s nuts and bolts with him and play with those board games that teach you about circuits,” Tammy said.
“I always really enjoyed it. When I was going through school, I just realised it wasn’t for me.
“I was going out with dad on the weekends to help out, so I always thought it’d be cool to take on an apprenticeship.”
After finishing year 11, Tammy did her electrician apprenticeship through her dad’s business, becoming fully qualified when she was 21.
The right spark
Not long after Tammy completed her apprenticeship, Allan became unwell and had to stop running his business – TTS Electrics. This business was handed down to 21-year-old Tammy, who jumped head-first into the frying pan.
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“It was definitely daunting, and I was probably out my depth for a lot of it,” Tammy admitted.
“But the challenge was really good for me now that I look back on it, and it’s given me so much confidence.”
Running your own business is a tradie’s dream come true, and ready or not this dream became reality for Tammy quicker than expected. TTS Electrics’ main clientele is commercial and facility maintenance in the Geelong area, as well as a few domestic jobs and refurbs.
As Managing Director, Tammy’s learnt the ins and outs of operating a business, while also growing her skills as a sparky. One thing she’s had to perfect during that process: a healthy work/life balance.
“It hasn’t always been easy, there’s definitely been moments where I’ve burnt out a bit because I’ve been trying to do too much,” Tammy said.
“Now I can rely more on my staff and know my limits – making sure you get that balance right was difficult when I started out.”
Connecting
Operating a business is one thing, but Tammy had to tackle the tradie world while it remains male-dominant.
“I was the only girl in the company and my class at trade school for all four years I was there,” she said.
“I definitely didn’t come across any women in the industry back then, but it’s slowly changing now.”
A proud member of Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT), Tammy said it was important for female tradies to help one another out where they can.
“EWIT’s really awesome, I love what they’re doing for the industry,” she added.
“Whether it’s events or building up a community to help women get into trade as well as supporting those already in the trades.”
Plugging in
Tammy – now 27 – has plenty of electrician experience under her tool belt. Despite this, the day-to-day work has never been dull for her, with every job offering up new challenges and satisfying results.
“I just love giving clients what they’re after and bringing their ideas to life,” Tammy said.
“Whether that be in new lights or something much bigger – the aspect of being hands-on and bringing projects to life is really awesome.”
One thing Tammy certainly doesn’t regret is taking up the trade from a young age, with her life as a sparky leading to endless possibilities and what should be a long and prosperous career going forward.
“If you’re thinking about it, give it a go,” she said,
“It’s so handy to have the skills under your belt at an early age, and there’s so much opportunity to expand that career.”
You can find out more about TTS Electrics at ttselectrics.com.au or on Instagram @sparkyvos