Pierrette Swan is the manager of welding services for Weld America, a new division of Colonna's Shipyard that offers advanced technical welding services. She has worked in the welding/manufacturing industry for 10 years with experience in x-ray pipe welding, welder training, manning, recruiting and welding supervision. Pierrette grew up in Virginia Beach. She has a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art, an associates degree in Business Administration, and a Systems Engineering certificate. She is also a graduate from The Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding where she received two awards for her academic achievements. Pierrette was honored by the Manufacturing Institute as an Emerging Leader for her accomplishments in welding in 2017. She has also been recognized by the Association of Manufacturing Excellence in 2018 and 2021. Outside of work, Pierrette gives back to the community by serving on the board of directors for the Youth Volunteer Corps of Hampton Roads. She loves talking to other women and young girls about careers in welding every chance she gets.
Watch the interview.
How did you get started working in the trades?
I graduated college with a degree in fine art and had no idea what to do for a living. Every job seemed to want you to have experience and I couldn’t get experience if I couldn’t get hired. I was a waitress making decent money, so it was tough to take a pay cut for an entry level job. I heard about The Apprentice School and loved the idea of getting paid to go to school and learn a trade. With my art background, I thought welding would be a good skill to have. I had done some soldering in a jewelry making class in high school so I thought I would give it a try. I got hired as a welder and learned on the job. I really loved it and excelled in it. I am so grateful it is the career path I chose.
What is your favorite aspect of working in skilled trades?
I love the ability to see the results of my work instantly. There is nothing better than being able to take a step back and look at your weld. Also, working in shipbuilding let’s me be a part of the important work that helps defend our country which makes me very proud. I have had so many adventures and opportunities in life because of welding, and I have been able to move into leadership roles I didn’t know existed.
What is the biggest misconception you've found people have about jobs in skilled trades?
One misconception that bothers me is that women won’t be interested in “dirty work” like the trades. Most women I know love to work with their hands and love a challenge. When you think of some of the more traditionally female jobs (nursing, child care, maid service, hairdressing) they are such physical, technical, and messy jobs! I think most people don’t realize how those skills directly translate into the trades. Trade jobs, in my opinion, are no more dirty than most jobs, and even when they are, it’s totally worth it.
Advice to others who may be interested in a similar career?
Do it! Don’t let anyone talk you out of it. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not for you. Don’t be afraid to fail. Just keep your head up and keep trying. If you are passionate about doing it, you will succeed.
If you’d like to learn more about how to get started in a trade career, read about local training partners and apprenticeship programs on our Resources page.
Pierrette Swan Works Like A Girl. You can too. For more info, click here.