From Golf Pro to Qualified Electrician: Emma’s Journey into Engineering

In her early forties, Emma Weeks made a bold move – leaving behind a successful career in professional golf to retrain as an electrician. Now a qualified member of Dalkia’s team, Emma’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue a new path and a perfect spotlight for International Women in Engineering Day.

“I’d had a great run in women’s golf,” says Emma, “but the money wasn’t great, and I wanted something more secure.” When she and her partner relocated from Southampton to Nottingham just as the UK entered lockdown, plans for a new job were suddenly paused. With most people working from home, Emma found herself picking up work at Amazon to stay busy.

That’s when she spotted an ad for a Mechatronics apprenticeship. She applied, got to the final interview, and was turned down. Not long after, she came across the Dalkia electrical apprenticeship and gave it another go. “I applied, got in, and here I am now.”

Rewiring Her Future

Emma recently qualified after passing her AM2S final exams with a Distinction. “I was absolutely over the moon when I found out I’d passed,” she says.

Her age made the first steps feel a little daunting. “I’d never even set foot on a building site before. I was nervous, and going to college with 16–17-year-olds made me feel old – one of my tutors was younger than me!”

Sport, Strength, and Determination

Far from being a disadvantage, Emma’s background in professional sports gave her an edge. “I’ve always been active, and I was physically ready for the more demanding tasks on site. Some of the guys were shocked at how strong I was!”

She also credits golf with shaping her mindset: “It taught me how to work hard, stay determined, and re-evaluate things if they’re not going your way. That definitely helped me push through the apprenticeship and get my qualification.”

Making Women in Engineering Visible

Emma sees INWED as a vital opportunity to highlight the role women can play in the sector. “It’s important to show other women who might be thinking about engineering that they’re not alone and that there are others out there.”

Emma reflects positively on the support she received from both experienced electricians and other apprentices during her early days on site. “There was a real mix of people willing to help, whether it was getting to grips with procedures or understanding how things worked on site.” She also encourages other women to explore engineering as a career. “There are some great online communities out there now that offer support and advice. I’d say to any woman or girl thinking about engineering – go for it!”

Looking Ahead

Practical and hands-on by nature, Emma loves the physical side of the job, but it’s the problem-solving and creative thinking that really energise her. “I enjoy being able to think outside the box.”

Her proudest achievement? “Passing my exams with a Distinction! I was so nervous, but it all paid off.”

Emma has faced challenges, including being underestimated by some male colleagues. “A few have talked down to me, but I’ve always raised the issue with my supervisor, who has handled it well. Most people have offered brilliant support, recognising my capabilities and challenging me with more advanced work.”

She also sees room for progress: “The industry could do more to highlight women and encourage others to join, especially through schools and career events.” She’s already taken part in two such sessions with Dalkia and hopes to do more.

Emma’s journey isn’t stopping here. She’s just been accepted onto a four-year degree course as a trainee planner with Dalkia – proof that the next chapter in her engineering career is just getting started.