What were you doing prior to working in the trades?

I was teaching Fine Arts at the collegiate level.

 

What contractor have you liked working for and why?

Atomic Architectural Sheet Metal

I started my apprenticeship with Atomic and I've really appreciated that they just threw me right into the work. The first job I was on was a new apartment complex in Downtown Minneapolis; I was there for 8 months. They were teaching me right from the start. I spent those first 8 months installing: starting trim, framing for panels, a lot of finish trim, and helping install panels too.

It’s exciting that it’s the first thing people see when they approach the building, since our work is primarily exterior siding.

 

What's an average day look like for you?

Some jobs only take a day or two and some take months, depending on scale. Typically, when I arrive at a job it’s been started already, but is in an early stage.

My days vary: sometimes I’m the ground person: staging, cutting and prepping panels and other materials for the folks in the lifts; sometimes I’m in a lift with a partner helping install framing systems, insulation, weather proofing, or panels; sometimes I’m working off the ground installing trim, and sometimes it’s a mix of all of the above. Often we’re working out of some kind of lift (boom, scissor, hydro) or off a swing stage, or scaffolding, or ladders.

I always work outside. Hot summer days (sometimes on the roof) can be really draining and likewise with frigid winter days, sometimes working in real feel -19. A little cloud cover or breeze and water on a hot day and a little sun on a cold day go a surprisingly long way though! Figuring out some weather gear that works for your body really helps too! Sometimes you’re able to chase the shade or the sun depending on the season and the job as well.

 

What's something that surprised you?

I've been surprised by just how much I enjoy working with the guys (and it is primarily guys, currently out of 30 field installers I’m the only person who doesn’t identify as male). I had a very narrow presumption of who I might be working with but, just like people in general, the guys I work with are nuanced: lovely, kind, caring, sensitive, rough, interesting, weird, gross, hilarious, droll, boring, ego maniacal, insecure, annoying, entertaining, and intelligent. Sometimes that’s just one guy in the span of a day. Finding ways to get to know and appreciate my coworkers has made working in this field very enjoyable, most days.

 

What's something unpleasant about your job?

I hated this job for the first 4 months. It was a huge change from teaching, with very different stressors and with different time and physical requirements. Additionally, the learning curve of new work and new personalities was taxing. I was tired all the time and thinking I’d made a horrible decision. BUT I’d decided I was going to slog through for at least a year and see how things went.

 

My mental shift started when I found someone, an instructor, at my union that I felt comfortable talking with about my lack of acclimation. I felt heard and supported by him, without judgement, and feeling like I had someone in my corner was extremely helpful. Then, Atomic hired Dale, a 60 year old journeyman who had been laid off by another siding contractor. Dale didn’t teach me as much about installing as the other guys did BUT, perhaps more importantly, Dale taught me that there’s nothing wrong with asking for help and it’s ok to cry at work if you need to. He provided some much needed comic relief, friendship, and someone to commiserate with during wicked winter days. Feeling like I connected with one of the guys made it easier to connect with other coworkers, which made me feel like less of an outsider. All of this while I gradually learned more and became more competent and confident in the work I was doing. So, in short, time was a big factor in getting acclimated. Now, 2000 hours into my job, I typically really enjoy what I do!

 

Work wear recommendations?

Mechanix Wear Durahide winter gloves with the heavyweight sherpa lining!

Keen Cincinnati work boots - I wear them in the summer and winter! I just got the Red Wing Tuff Toe kit to reinforce the toe!

Kleenex! Shove some in your pockets on cold winter days for your drippy nose!

In the winter, I keep extras of everything: gloves, boots, socks to change out if needed.

 

What advice would you give someone starting out?

Stretch! Start doing squats and other knee strengthening exercises as well as tennis elbow exercises now. Seriously.  This job is physically demanding. Take care of your body, even if/especially if you’re starting young and think you don’t need to. Make it a routine now.

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Also, be kind and generous with yourself. Give yourself time to learn and adjust to something new. Set a timeframe for which you want to try working in the field you pick and then when you reach that time marker reevaluate how you feel about what you're doing.

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Find someone, in your field, that you feel comfortable talking to. It could be an instructor, a business rep, or a co-worker. If the first person you reach out responds dismissively then try someone else.

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If you’re having trouble bonding or getting to know the people you work with, most of them have kids, ask about their kids and go from there.