Kyle Tripp
Apprentice
Ironworkers Local 25
Detroit, MI USA
“It’s very, very gratifying to see a whole skyscraper or a whole bridge after you’re done with it. You can drive by it for the rest of your life and say, ‘I built that.’”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationKyle Tripp
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
I grew up in the country in Connecticut, so I’ve always loved getting dirty and working with my hands.
After high school, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do for a career, so I moved to Michigan and decided to just join the workforce and try some things.
I’ve worked at a variety of jobs, including concert venues, gyms, and the zoo, but hadn’t found something that really stuck with me.
I heard about Women Who Weld and decided to participate in their one-day workshop—I liked it but didn’t pursue anything further immediately afterwards.
About a year and a half later, I found an old email from Women Who Weld and applied to their six week intensive welding program.
While in the Women Who Weld program, I learned about the different trades that use welding and felt drawn to the thrill of becoming an ironworker.
I applied to the Ironworkers trade union, got in, and am currently in the process of completing my apprenticeship.
Education
High School
Vocational
Intensive Welding Training Program
Women Who Weld
Intensive Welding Training Program
Women Who Weld
Career
Apprentice
I'm an apprentice welder in the process of becoming an ironworker.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Engineering
Technology
Building Things
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"You need to go to college."
Interviewed By
Skill Shift
Skills and training to help you find your place in the future of work
