Local 4 and Carhartt have teamed up for Trade Up. It’s an initiative to shine a light on opportunities in trade work and helping bridge the disparity between open jobs in trade fields and those considering a career in trade work. It also is about recognizing those who succeed in their respective trade, succeed in working with others, and are an example of what can be accomplished through this work.
As part of Trade Up, Local 4 and Carhartt will recognize one person a month with the Ace Of Trades award which highlights people who are nominated by others in the community for being a true example of what Trade Up is all about. Jillian Lowler, a welder/fabricator from Metro Detroit, is the first recipient of the award.
Lowler said her passion for her trade started when she went to college. “I was going to Central Michigan right out of high school. I went for a month. It wasn’t for me. I had a feeling I needed to come home and figure out what I really wanted to do,” said Lowler. “I started working at General RV Center and there were a couple welders there and it kind of seem interesting, and my dad said you need to get into a trade if that’s what you’re feeling.” Lowler said it wasn’t easy, and it was intimidating, but she new she could do it.
Now, Lowler works at Roush Automotive and when it comes to the work she’s doing now, she said she can’t reveal much. “Everything is disclosed. It’s private, but most of the work we do is for Ford Motor Company. It’s most of their prototype work for all the new vehicles coming out.”
When it comes to her message to others considering trade work Lowler says this: “You can do it. Even if you’re a female. Even if you’re as small as me. I’m out working guys that are way bigger than me. You can do it.”
Alex Difilippo, Public Relations Manager with Carhartt, said Lowler is a true example of why the company partnered with Local 4 to bring awareness to trade work. “We really want to do all we can to support the trade work happening here in Detroit,” said Difilippo. “We hope the (Ace Of Trades) award moving forward also raises awareness of more opportunities that are out there for people to test out the skill trades and learn more about it.”
To hear more from Lowler about receiving the recognition, and her work in her trade, which is typically dominated by men, click the video player above. You’ll also hear the nomination that Local 4 received from Heather Lowler regarding Jillian and her work.