How I moved to France and retrained as an electrician

In the UK, I initially worked as a primary school teacher for several years, reaching the position of deputy head.

In 2012, I moved to Wales and struggled to find suitable childcare for my son, then aged 10 months, so I decided to register as a childminder.

Things changed again in 2017 when I went on holiday to France with the children to visit some friends who had moved there two years earlier. 

We fell in love with the lifestyle. The biggest change was in our son. In the UK he seemed very shy, but somehow in that week he became much more confident. 

We spent lots of time outside and I realised what a wonderful life we could offer our children if we moved over.

A plus point was that Normandy was still fairly close to the UK, so not too far from family.

A new life in Normandy

We decided to purchase a property for the children and me to live in, while my husband stayed in Wales to finish renovations on the house there, with a view to selling it. He would commute to see us at weekends.

Once we arrived, I looked into becoming a childminder. However, as our house needed some renovation, I realised I would not be able to safely look after children until the work was finished. 

In addition, my French was not good enough to attract French-speaking clients. I knew I had to do something else while I improved the house and my language skills.

I registered as an English tutor and taught students online in the UK in a range of subjects. I also registered as a small business so that I could sell crocheted and other handmade items.

'What if I trained to be one myself?'

My real career pivot came as a result of the renovations needed on the house. While I could have a go at jobs such as painting and plasterboarding, I had to depend on tradespeople to carry out more technical tasks. Finding an electrician proved especially hard. Then I had an idea: what if I trained to be one myself?

I would first need to improve my French drastically. I went to the Groupement d'établissements publics d'enseignement (GRETA) and was put on an eight-month intensive course. 

The organisation also helped me find out about different training schemes. During a presentation by the Agence nationale pour la formation professionnelle des adultes (AFPA), I heard about a maintenance course they were running. 

This would involve training in electrics, but also included other practical skills such as plastering, plumbing and property maintenance.

Participants were given a grant while studying, meaning I could focus on the course and not worry about money while I trained.

Although I had not intended to look for a related job at the end of the course, I was placed in a local retirement home on a three-week placement and they offered me a short-term contract. I finished the course eight weeks early and went to work, on the understanding that I would be released to take my exams and get my diploma.

When that contract ended in December 2024, I was asked to stay. I am still there!

I love my new role. Every day is different – sometimes I do simple maintenance such as changing a light bulb, and at other times I work on bigger projects such as renovating a bedroom.

I was initially a little worried about working in what is traditionally a male-dominated field, especially as I was not French.

However, I have been treated very much as part of the team from day one. It is a team in the truest sense of the word – work is shared out and everyone does their bit, even the boss.

Having been a teacher, I also appreciate the fact that when I leave my workplace, I am truly finished for the day.

Teaching involved evenings spent planning and marking, but in this role I can be around for the children when I am home, as well as having a little time for myself! Plus, my new skill set has proved invaluable in finally finishing the house!