Colette Skinner, Third-year Apprentice, Heat & Frost Insulators Local 6
Colette Skinner grew up in Melrose, with a father and grandfather who were both insulators, so it wasn’t that much of a stretch when she decided to enter the construction trade. She is the first woman in her family to launch a career as a skilled insulator.
Colette Skinner and her father Jack Skinner together on the job.
Colette recommends a career in the construction trades to anyone who likes working with their hands, and says that women should not feel intimidated about pursuing a construction trade as a career.
“I would tell women I’d definitely consider the trades first before college. I’d highly recommend the trades for people as a career, because you can begin earning a paycheck on Day 1, instead of being in debt,” she said. “Sometimes I am the only girl on a project, but I see more and more women out there.”
Colette is part of Heat & Frost Insulators Local 6’s apprenticeship training program as a third-year apprentice. From Day 1 of the program, apprentices gain hands-on training inside the classroom and on a worksite, while also earning a living wage, fully paid healthcare and a retirement plan.
Colette’s father, Jack Skinner, says he’s extremely proud of his daughter, and how well she’s doing. “She’s on her way. She’s doing very well,” he said. “It’s really something to see her learning and coming along so well.”
