Kyle Tripp

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 Nation

Kyle 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

Career

Apprentice

I'm an apprentice welder in the process of becoming an ironworker.

Career Roadmap

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

Skill Shift

Skills and training to help you find your place in the future of work