Sheet metal is unique in the building trades: SMART members take raw material and transform it into the finished product. For Local 38 (Brewster, N.Y.) member Madison Dill, that’s one of the best parts of the trade: “I love knowing we’re one of the only trades that fabricates almost every item we install. I have so much pride finishing a drawing, getting to look down in the shop and see all the duct being made, and hearing from the field that everything was a breeze to install.” Learn more in her sister story:
What unique strengths do you bring to your trade?
Teaching at the union hall, attention to detail, hunger for knowledge and learn new skills/programs. I also have passion for our work, tenacity and a positive attitude.
What do you love to do when you are not at work?
Play music, cross stitch, crochet, explore new restaurants and cuisines with my mom!
Goals in the future — any ambitions or changes to your career, growth or education?
Create a women’s committee at our local, mentor apprentices, integrate 3D scanning and other newer tech into our detailing class at the hall, and become a VDC/BIM coordinator at work.
What surprised you about your trade?
The multifaceted nature of the sheet metal trade. I had no idea, before I joined, that there were SO many different possibilities.
What do you find frustrating about your job/trade?
I struggle to find the time and energy to do all of the things I want to do in terms of advocating for change, organizing, etc. It’s very difficult for me to balance my work and personal life.
What’s the coolest job you’ve worked on?
My first job in the trade, a massive industrial power plant! I’d never seen anything like it, and haven’t since. It was my first time in any sort of lift, let alone going up 100-plus feet in one!
What traits do you think a good sheet metal worker has?
Persistence, attention to detail, spatial awareness, and never thinking you know it all.
Why sheet metal?
I have always wanted to be involved with blueprints. A family friend recommended I join SMART, as there may be an opportunity to one day become a detailer, and here I am! I love knowing we’re one of the only trades that fabricates almost every item we install. I have so much pride finishing a drawing, getting to look down in the shop and see all the duct being made, and hearing from the field that everything was a breeze to install.
Tool you can’t live without?
When I was in the field, it would’ve been either my demo driver or baby bulldogs. Now in the office, it’s my clicky mechanical keyboard!
Best advice you got as an apprentice?
Always, always, always move with a purpose!!
Best advice for an apprentice?
Stay off your phone, never let a mechanic see you sitting down on the job, and ALWAYS ask questions about the task at hand and why you’re doing it that way (to gain a better understanding of means and methods).
What do you think about Tradeswomen Build Nations?
I love it! I think it’s something that every woman in the trade should attend at least once (ESPECIALLY apprentices)! I’ve never felt so seen and supported, and the energy at the conference makes me want to go home and push for progress!
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 attended one career fair at Peekskill High School as a representative of Local 38. I brought my laptop and a few drawings, and it really seemed to draw in a lot of students who were very interested in the tech aspects of the trade! It also seemed to catch the attention of many girls who had seemingly never thought about the trades as a career option!