This week is Women in Construction (WIC) Week and, in celebration, we’re sharing a profile of Ironworker (apprentice) Kyle Tripp from the Local 25 Detroit. WIC Week is an annual event put on by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) to highlight women as a visible component of the construction industry. Throughout the week we’ll be sharing more features of our incredible female Barton Malow team members here on our website and on social media. We invite you to also participate by recognizing the women in construction who inspire you, and if you’re posting on social media make sure to use #WICWeek2022.
Name: Kyle Tripp
Current Role: Ironworker (apprentice) Local 25 Detroit
Current location: Wayne County Criminal Justice Center, Detroit, Michigan
Years in the industry: 3
What led you to a career in the construction industry?
College wasn’t in the cards for me; I wanted to join the work force and start making money. After trying a lot of different jobs through my early 20s, I discovered Women Who Weld. It introduced me to welding, and immediately I wanted to do more with it. I explored the different trades and knew ironwork was what I wanted to do.
We recently featured Kyle’s story on the Said Differently podcast. Listen to learn more about Kyle’s journey to become an ironworker.
What are some of the biggest challenges of being a female ironworker?
Being a woman in construction is not for the weak-hearted. Construction and the trades are tough work; it’s unforgiving and the dangers we face daily don’t discriminate. You go to work and have to prove yourself every single day. The challenge is to dig deeper when you feel like your tank is empty, you really see the amazing things you can do.
What do you love most about your career?
The camaraderie, hands down. The brothers and sisters you work alongside are what keep you alive. Your life is in each other’s hands every day, and it really creates a bond you can’t find anywhere else.
What advice would you give a women starting out in the industry?
Do the job and do it well. Your work will speak for you.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m proud of the work I do every day. It’s very gratifying when you finish a job and can see what you’ve been building standing tall and strong. It makes all the blood, sweat, and tears worth it.
