Jennifer Frank, journeyman insulator and part-time instructor from the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 17 in the Chicagoland area, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her journey in the construction industry as a third-generation tradesman, the challenges she faced entering a male-dominated field and her role in training the next generation of Insulators.
Frank's entry into the mechanical insulation industry was unconventional. After struggling to balance college and full-time work, she worked the third shift at a casino. After she lost her job at the casino, she approached her father, an Insulator, about joining the trade. Initially reluctant, her father eventually gave her a two-week trial period. Frank said she excelled, proving her aptitude for the work and embarking on a successful career in the industry.
As a woman in construction, Frank acknowledged the industry's evolution toward greater acceptance and accommodation. While there were small issues as she navigated through the male-dominated field, Frank believed her confidence in her work helped prevent any major issues. Frank's success as an apprentice led her to compete in the 2013 Master Apprenticeship Competition, where she showcased her skills by winning at the Local level, before competing against other top apprentices from across North America. Because of this experience, Frank was offered a scholarship to pursue teaching opportunities in the union, allowing her to share her expertise with future apprentices.
Frank said her role as a part-time instructor at Local 17 has been instrumental in encouraging more women to enter the trade. She reported a gradual increase in female membership, with each new apprenticeship class having, on average, four to five women per year. Frank's journey from casino worker to insulator and instructor serves as an example of the opportunities available for women seeking rewarding careers in the construction industry.
Listen to the full episode above for more about Frank's experiences and insights into the insulation trade.