MAKER

“I’m the only woman on the shop floor and it makes me feel empowered.”

Linda Colon (CT Apprentice)

MEET LINDA

  • Hometown

    Waterbury, Conn.

  • Position

    CNC Machinist / Apprentice

  • Company

    Hanwha Aerospace

Q&A

What brought you to the manufacturing industry?

I attended Kaynor Tech High School in Waterbury where I took my first a manufacturing class. I was first exposed to manufacturing by my mom and aunt who both work in the industry. My mom, Jamileth Colon, works at Northeast Quality Service and my aunt works at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation.

How did you hear about this apprenticeship?  

I currently attend Naugatuck Community College and my advisor told me about the apprenticeship program. I contacted Hanwha and had an interview.

What do you do?

I’m a CNC machinist. I actually started working in the manufacturing industry when I was 16 years old and still in high school. I was at another company working on lathes.

How do you find meaning in it?

You never know what you are going to do the next day and that’s so exciting! Many challenges arise in manufacturing and it’s fun to figure out solutions to ensure they never happen again. It makes the day go by fast. I have been here for almost a year and I love the culture. Everyone is so welcoming and my instructor has been very helpful. They also work around my school schedule which has eased the process for me.  

Who or what lead you to a career in manufacturing?

 I was first inspired by my mom and aunt. When I was at Kaynor I scored very well and was able to get into the manufacturing program and then I took off from there.

Do you have any advice for people thinking about a career in manufacturing?

 Don’t be overwhelmed, everybody will make a mistake. The focus should be on not making the same mistake again. I am the only woman on the shop floor and it makes me feel empowered.

Linda with her mom, Jamileth Colon

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