The Plumbers & Pipefitters Union Local 619 has certified its first woman pipe welder.

Michelle Lewis completed seven weeks of training and passed a final test. She was among 10 enrolled in the course.

“I feel excited,” said the 30-year-old. “This is something I’m proud of.”

Plumbers & Pipefitters business manager Tommy Newell said Lewis has been the only woman to take the course since it was begun there three years ago.

“It’s not attractive to a lot of women,” he said. “It’s more hard work, and a lot of the equipment is heavy.”

The difference between traditional welding and pipe welding, Newell said, is the technique. In pipe welding, the method is more complex, he said, and the equipment is bigger.

Lewis became interested in the field after hearing stories from her father, who is a welder, each night at the dinner table.

“He inspired me,” she said. “That’s when I came into Plumbers & Pipefitters and started out as an apprentice.”

Lewis is looking for work, but, meanwhile, is teaching Occupational Safety and Health Administration classes offered at Plumbers & Pipefitters.

“I enjoy teaching someone else things that I know,” she said. “I get nervous at first, but after about 15 minutes, I get comfortable.”

Lewis is also enrolled in a tungsten inert gas welding course.

Lewis and her family recently lost their home in Port Gibson to a fire. She and her three children, ages 13, 8 and 3, have been living with family in Vicksburg.

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Contact Manivanh Chanprasith at mchan@vicksburgpost.com