Ford turned Michigan Central Station into a celebration of trade workers this week, hosting an all-day town hall that put the spotlight on the skilled jobs powering what the company calls the essential economy.
Local 4’s Kimberly Gill helped lead the discussion, sharing her own path in the trades (she used to work as a truck driver) and highlighting the growing need for young people to step into high-demand fields. As part of the event, she presented the September Ace of Trades award from Local 4’s Trade Up initiative, a partnership with Detroit-based Carhartt.
This month’s honoree: Joe Sicoli, a Ford Senior Master Auto Technician who has worked at Pat Milliken Ford in Redford for 21 years and served as a Ford technician for more than 40. Sicoli now works on Ford’s top performance machines, including the Ford GT and the Mustang GTD.
Sicoli, known in the shop for mentoring younger techs, kept his message simple. “If it’s something you’re passionate about, just go for it,” he said.
Colleagues praised his impact on the next generation, noting how his guidance has helped shift the culture on the shop floor toward teaching and teamwork.
Local 4’s Trade Up program aims to bridge the gap between open trade jobs and the people considering them, sharing success stories and monthly recognitions like the Ace of Trades award.
Nominations for future honorees are open at clickondetroit.com/tradeup.