Joanne Cluxton becomes first female president of the Electrical Contractors' Association
In a significant event marking International Women’s Day, Joanne Cluxton, the HR Director of Mercury, has been appointed as the first female president of the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) [Ireland], in its history. This landmark appointment, which took place in January, highlights not only Cluxton’s personal achievements but also underscores a growing awareness of gender representation within the engineering sector.
Cluxton expressed her deep pride in her new role during an interview with Ireland's Electrical Magazine, stating, "To be the first female president in the history of the association is something I’m very proud of." She further described her nomination by peers as "a massive privilege" and acknowledged the responsibility that accompanies the position. Initially hesitant about her suitability for the role due to her non-traditional background in electrical engineering, Cluxton’s involvement with the ECA has reinforced her commitment to effecting positive change in the sector.
As the new president, Cluxton aims to create greater opportunities for women in electrical engineering. She places a strong emphasis on collaboration with members of the ECA to continue the association's efforts in attracting and nurturing top talent in the industry. "I want to further promote the amazing work of the ECA and attract more electrical companies to join us," she asserted, outlining her vision for her presidency amidst a commitment to building solid relationships with other organisations, governmental departments, and stakeholders. Additionally, Cluxton seeks to advocate for fair working conditions and promote apprenticeships as a viable career path.
Drawing on her background, Cluxton shared her journey within the Mercury organisation, where she began in 2007 as a HR administrator while concurrently pursuing her studies in Human Resource Management. Advancement opportunities at Mercury have allowed her to develop her career over the past 18 years, culminating in her current role as chief people officer, overseeing more than 2,500 employees. Cluxton attributes her attraction to the engineering sector to her family's history in construction, alongside Mercury's supportive culture which fosters both formal and on-the-job education.
Despite the historical male dominance in the engineering sector, Cluxton noted a gradual shift towards inclusivity, reflected in the increasing number of women entering the electrical engineering field. "At Mercury, we’ve seen an increase in the amount of female apprentice applications compared to previous years," she revealed. The year 2024 marked a milestone with the appointment of Mercury’s first female board member, signalling progress in gender representation.
Mercury's commitment to gender parity in hiring practices and the cultivation of future female leaders is evident in their strategies, which aim to bolster female representation in graduate and apprentice programmes. Cluxton underscored the importance of representation, positing that visibility of women in site-based roles can inspire others to consider similar career trajectories.
The ECA's leadership under Cluxton faces a pressing challenge: the retention and attraction of talent, a concern echoed industry-wide. Cluxton stressed that future planning is crucial to ensure a highly skilled workforce is ready to take the reins in coming years, which the ECA addresses through its educational initiatives.
Outside of her professional commitments, Cluxton shared her personal interests, revealing a newly developed hobby of knitting alongside a passion for exercise, which she finds sets a positive tone for her day.
As Cluxton steps into her historic role, the electrical engineering landscape is poised for continued change, with her leadership potentially paving the way for more inclusive practices and greater gender diversity within the sector.