Local 2 (Kansas City, Mo.) sheet metal worker Pamela Blackmore, otherwise known as “The Hammer,” has been in the trade for more than 31 years. That experience makes itself clear every day, whether she’s advising apprentices, volunteering at outreach events or marching with her fellow sisters at Tradeswomen Build Nations. Learn more in her sister story:
What unique strengths do you bring to your trade?
I would have to say “knowledge” in all aspects of sheet metal. From which tools and equipment to use for the task at hand, to understanding of every role you may perform in your career, to knowing where to find information and what resources are available to you.
What do you love to do when you are not at work?
Anything to do with the great outdoors. I enjoy being out in nature, it truly is my happy place!
Goals in the future — any ambitions or changes to your career, growth or education?
I am less than a year from retirement, which is both exciting and, to be honest, a bit scary for me.
What surprised you about your trade?
The versatility and variety of what we do every day.
What do you find frustrating about your job/trade?
Not being heard when voicing a concern or pitching an idea. Being dismissed based on gender, but if a guy says the exact same things, it’s the greatest thing ever said.
What’s the coolest job you’ve worked on?
The most rewarding job I’ve had has to be when I was an instructor for second-year apprentices. The most awesome thing I have done is fabrication of duct large enough to drive a tractor trailer through. The funnest thing I have ever done is hanging off the side of a power plant installing box ribbed panels. I loved working so high up!
What traits do you think a good sheet metal worker has?
Flexibility, both physical and mental. Our craft needs some dexterity at times, and job deadlines at times require fluidity.
Why sheet metal?
Why NOT … I love working with my hands, and creating a dimensional piece from a flat piece of metal is amazing.
Tool you can’t live without?
My hammer … I needed it on day one and will probably still be using it my final day before signing papers for retirement. And of course, it’s a hammer because sometimes you just need to let some aggression out — glad I get paid to do that (lol)!
Best advice you got as an apprentice?
Don’t let a bad day get you down, tomorrow you can try again with a fresh start. Roy Keithly — he called me “Sis,” and I learned a ton of things from him.
Best advice for an apprentice?
Be teachable. You can learn a lot and be given opportunities that can lead to greatness. Get yourself a mentor or somebody you can ask questions.
What do you think about Tradeswomen Build Nations?
I LOVE this event! The energy, the empowerment and the excitement we take back to my home local for all of our members is valuable and something I look forward to every year.
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?
YES! I do countless outreach events: Camp NAWIC, Heavy Metal Summer Experience, Construction Leadership Council volunteer opportunities; I am a very active member of Heartland Women in Trades, which promotes women in non-traditional skilled trades. I hope that sharing my career advice and 31-plus years demonstrate that sheet metal is a trade any young lady can flourish in.