Positively Upstate: Twin sisters from Rotterdam training to be electricians

ROTTERDAM, N.Y. (WRGB) - Quinn and Sydney Rickard are proof that twins often have a very special connection. Not only are they identical but they both want to be electricians someday.

Right now, under five percent of U.S. electricians are female.

“It’s a male dominated trade for sure,” Quinn tells CBS6. “There’s like 30-something boys in here (referencing her classroom). And then there’s me, Sydney and Marley. We’re the only three girls.”

The twins are juniors at the Schalmont Central School District and love working in the Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical School Electrical Trades Program. During labs, students do things like wire receptacles, put in outlets and install light fixtures.

“I like to make things work.” Sydney says. “I like working with my hands. It’s not just sitting in a classroom and listening. You actually get to work.”

Sydney and Quinn developed a love for electrical work by shadowing their father, Darrick. He’s an electrician with the IBEW and would take them on jobs with him as kids.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for them,” he says. “I think it’ll help get away from the stereotype of ‘a man’s world’ and a ‘woman’s world’ type thing.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics only three percent of electricians in the United States are female. The Rickard twins says being in the minority doesn’t bother them a bit. In fact, they hardly notice.

“I’m not really intimidated.” Quinn says. “They treat us the same. If anything we get a little bit of special treatment.”

To learn more about Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical Education: https://www.capitalregionboces.org/career-technical-education/