Women who build West Michigan: featuring Hanna Harrington

Meet Hanna Harrington, a fifth-year apprentice electrician who's breaking stereotypes in the electrical field. After taking advice from a college professor to get hands on experience before choosing a career path, Hanna found her calling. Now on the cusp of completing her apprenticeship with the IBEW, she's part of a growing movement of women transforming Michigan's construction industry.  

In this conversation, Hanna reveals the challenges and triumphs of her journey, shares practical advice for aspiring tradeswomen and explains why more women in the professional trades aren’t just important—they’re essential. Her story proves creativity and problem-solving skills are among some of the industry’s most sought-after skills. Read on to discover how union membership helped Hanna secure equal pay and opportunity, and why she believes the future of construction is increasingly female. 

What does it mean to be an apprentice? What does a day in your life look like? 

Being an apprentice means I'm learning on the job while working toward becoming a fully qualified electrician. I'm a fifth-year apprentice with the IBEW, working for Motor City. I'm just about to graduate, so I'm treated like a journeyman now. My day starts at 7 a.m., and I spend all my time out in the field. I put up raceways, terminate and pull wire and handle all kinds of electrical tasks for industrial work.”  

Can you point to a specific thing that drew you to the construction industry? 

It was actually my professor at Grand Valley State University who suggested I get field experience. I was studying renewable energy and wasn't sure whether to pursue sustainability or electrical engineering. He said the best engineers have hands-on experience, so I decided to try working in the field. My first job was at a wind farm, which was perfect since I was interested in renewable energy. I loved the work right away, and it turned out to be a great fit. 

What has been the most rewarding aspect of working in the construction industry? 

The biggest reward is the pride I feel working with my hands and seeing projects from start to finish. There's something really satisfying about building something, turning it on, and watching it work exactly as it should. Getting to be a part of renewable energy projects like wind farms, solar installations, geothermal systems and natural gas generators gives me that feeling of accomplishment when we complete the job. 

What would you say to someone with no experience interested in joining the construction industry? 

First, you can absolutely do it! I had zero construction experience when I started. Everyone has to begin somewhere, and you'd be surprised how many people come to this industry after having careers in completely different fields. You won't be the only newcomer. Just take it day by day—you learn something new every day, and before you know it, you'll be the experienced one. 

Why join? It's good money with great benefits and retirement. The work is fun, especially if you don't like being stuck in an office or if you enjoy working with your hands. It's really rewarding work. 

What are some challenges you've faced as a woman in a male-dominated field? How have you overcome them? 

Being in a union has been a huge benefit for me. There are written rules and protocols that make sure everyone is treated fairly. We have stewards on our jobs whose whole purpose is ensuring fair treatment. Knowing that I have that support, and that we all get paid the same regardless of gender, has really helped me succeed. 

Before joining the IBEW, I was offered a non-union electrical apprentice job, but they immediately started training me for office work. When I said I wanted field experience, they told me that wasn't possible. So, I joined the union instead, where I'm treated just like everyone else and get the hands-on field work I wanted. 

Have you seen any change with women in construction over the past years? Is it becoming easier? 

We definitely have more women now. When I started, there were only four or five women in my union. Now we're up to 12! It's not an overwhelming number yet, but more women are starting to join, which is exciting. 

When women see other women already working in the trades it helps them realize they can do it too. Each woman who joins makes it a little easier for the next one. The standardized environment that unions provide—with equal pay and treatment—makes a big difference. Having clear rules and advocates who make sure those rules are followed creates a fair workplace for everyone. 

What unique perspectives or skills do women bring to the construction industry? 

Everyone has their own unique skills, of course, but when I share ideas or different approaches, they're generally well-received. 

Sometimes a more experienced coworker will say, ”This is how we've always done it,” but mostly, the trades recognize that people solve problems in different ways. As long as we get the job done safely and correctly, there's freedom to approach tasks creatively. The industry values problem-solving and creativity, which women definitely bring to the table. Different perspectives lead to better solutions. 

How do you hope to inspire and pave the way for future generations of women in this field? 

I try to be as involved as possible in school events and career fairs. I've participated in MiCareerQuest in downtown Grand Rapids and have visited some high school career fairs. I think just showing up and being visible as a woman in the trades makes a huge difference. 

When I told my friends and family that I wanted to be an electrician, they were shocked. Not all of them were immediately supportive. That reaction shows why representation matters so much.  

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About the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)

The IBEW is a large, international union that represents electrical workers across North America. They represents approximately 860,000 active members and retirees who work in a wide variety of fields, including utilities, construction, telecommunications, broadcasting, manufacturing, railroads and government.

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