IRONWORKING WITH IMPACT

ME: Could you share what first drew you to ironworking? Was there a moment early in your career when you knew this was the right path for you?

MARTIN: At 35, I found myself without health or dental insurance, without a retirement plan, and knowing it was time to build a real career. I had a friend that was a union ironworker, so I took that step and applied.

Within my first few days on the job, I knew I had made the right choice. I remember going home one day dirty, exhausted, and completely fulfilled, feeling a sense of pride and happiness I hadn’t experienced in any other line of work.

What made that transition even more meaningful was the support I found within the union. I had mentors who took the time to guide me, helping me navigate those early days as a new apprentice, and setting me up for long-term success.

ME: What were the biggest challenges you faced as a woman entering ironworking, and how did you conquer them?

MARTIN: Like many women entering a traditionally male-dominated field, I had to prove to myself more than anyone else that I belonged. The work is demanding, and the expectations are high, but that’s also what makes it so rewarding.

What helped me succeed was focusing on consistency, professionalism, and showing up every day ready to learn. I was fortunate to be surrounded by skilled tradespeople who valued hard work and dedication, and I leaned into that culture. Over time, I built confidence through experience, and I’ve been proud to help create pathways so that the next generation of men and women entering the trades feels supported from day one.

ME: What inspired you to co-found U-PACT Oregon? What gap were you trying to fill and why is its holistic approach so important?

MARTIN: U-PACT Oregon was an idea born out of a clear need. Our union contractors need skilled tradespeople on the job, and there are individuals who, once released, are ready and capable of building meaningful careers.

The three union trades (ironwork, cement masonry, and brick and allied crafts) involved in U-PACT Oregon recognize that potential and are committed to creating pathways forward. The goal is to reduce recidivism, strengthen Oregon’s economy, and provide our contractors with apprentices who arrive on day one with a strong foundation, often more prepared and job-ready than most entering the trade. The holistic approach is essential because success in the trades isn’t just about skills, it’s about stability.

When participants have access to boots, tools, transportation support, and guidance, they’re able to fully focus on their training and long-term careers. That’s how we build a stronger, more inclusive union and workforce.

ME: Can you share what a U-PACT participant’s journey looks like—from their first day in the program to stepping into a registered apprenticeship?

MARTIN: From day one, participants are immersed in both the culture and expectations of the trades. They enter the program with a general understanding of what it offers, but not the full picture and by the time they graduate and transition out, they’re ready to step onto a jobsite not just to get by, but to truly thrive.

What’s especially meaningful is hearing from graduates after their first day on the job. Many have shared that their coworkers didn’t believe it was their first day on a jobsite and that speaks directly to the level of skill, confidence, and preparation they gained through U-PACT Oregon.

ME: As the engineering and construction communities continue to face skilled labor shortages, what role do you believe programs like U-PACT must play in working toward a solution?

MARTIN: From where I sit in the Pacific Northwest as a union ironworker, the challenge isn’t workforce readiness, it’s the uncertainty around consistent job opportunities. Our focus is on aligning skilled, prepared workers with real access to jobs, ensuring that training leads to stable, long-term careers.

Pre-apprenticeship programs serve as a direct and intentional pipeline, connecting motivated, often overlooked talent to structured, earn-while-you-learn careers. A pre-apprenticeship is simply another avenue to join an apprenticeship program and to train individuals in the trades.

ME: Technology (AI, prefab, robotics) continues to reshape the workplace, from the office to the jobsite. How do you think apprenticeship programs need to adapt to prepare the next generation of workers?

MARTIN: Technology is an exciting evolution in our industry, and apprenticeship programs are already well-positioned to adapt. The key is integrating new tools while maintaining the strong foundation of hands-on training and craftsmanship.

Today’s apprentices are being trained to be comfortable working alongside technology, whether that’s digital plans, or other emerging jobsite tools. Union training programs are uniquely equipped to do this because they’re constantly evolving with industry standards.

ME: You’ve said that being a successful woman in construction means opening doors for others. What door do you most hope to open in your work moving forward?

MARTIN: The door I most hope to open is access; clear, supported pathways into the trades for anyone who wants to be there. This means expanding programs like U-PACT Oregon, reaching more communities, and continuing to remove barriers so that opportunity is truly accessible. I want people to see the trades not just as a job, but as a career with purpose, stability, and pride. A career that can break generational incarceration and strengthen the workforce.