Local 265 (DuPage County, Ill.) sheet metal worker Lois Ranieri is a 28-year member who calls herself a “jack of all things metal.” And after nearly three decades — helping run jobs, teaching apprentices and spreading the word about the trade — she says “my time doing this should speak for itself.” Learn more in her sister story:
What unique strengths do you bring to your trade?
I am a jack of all things metal; I want to do it if there is metal involved. HVAC, architectural, blow pipe, curtain walls — metal, all metal. I also teach apprentices, helping them grow in the trade. I take over jobs and bring them home when the foreman moves on or is away from the site, running them as the forewoman.
What do you love to do when you are not at work?
Travel and play video games.
Goals in the future — any ambitions or changes to your career, growth or education?
Hoping to retire soon in good health.
What surprised you about your trade?
Not much — I got in because I knew a woman in the trade, and she told me a lot about it. But I guess the physicality of it.
What do you find frustrating about your job/trade?
I get frustrated by how every time I start with a new company or even a new job within the same company, I constantly have to prove my abilities. My time doing this should speak for itself.
What’s the coolest job you’ve worked on?
Miller Park in Milwaukee.
What traits do you think a good sheet metal worker has?
Spatial aptitude — the ability to see things before they are real or complete. A strong sense of worth so you don’t get chewed up by how tough the trade can get. Never give up.
Why sheet metal?
Honestly, the money and benefits.
Tool you can’t live without?
Tape measure.
Best advice you got as an apprentice?
Back then there wasn’t much advice for a woman, but I guess the guy that told me, “everyone makes mistakes — being able to fix them is what makes you good.”
Best advice for an apprentice?
Just like I tell the apprentices, it gets easier making connections the more you do them — don’t get frustrated.
What do you think about Tradeswomen Build Nations?
It is awesome to see we are a huge sisterhood and that we do belong in the building trades.
Are you active in trade related activities such as career fairs, volunteer work or SMART Army events? Can you elaborate on one you participated in?
I went to a career expo in Springfield for women and girls to join the trades. It was excellent. I got to speak to everyone that came to the booth about sheet metal as a career choice. I really enjoyed it and wish there were more of those opportunities.