Hi germs, and welcome to the trade! It would be nice to see more women in the field. The few that I have seen tend to be very good at what they do and try a little harder - just ot prove themselves if nothing else.
My advice is to get in ANYWHERE that will give you ANY hands-on experience. You say your partner is in construction - maybe that will help you get into a jobsite - even as a helper. Residential, industrial, commercial - whatever will get you some hours in the field with some wire in your hands. Even being on a job site as general labor will give you a chance to network with whomever is on site as the EC. This could lead to prospective job placement opportunities, especially if they can see that you are a hard worker.
A motor shop may give you some hands-on wiring experience, but I don't see it helping you much as far as elecrical application. That seems more of a manufacturing type thing, unless you plan on specializing in motor control later as an electrician.
Basically, get what you can where you can get it, and best of luck to you!
