Women In Trades
From Apprentice to Industry Leader: A Woman's Journey in the Sign Business
My name is Jessica Norris, and I’m part of the team at Monarch Sign Factory. I bring over 12 years of experience in the sign industry, with a background that spans installation, fabrication, and project execution. I began my career as an Installation Apprentice and advanced to Lead Installer, specializing in vinyl, vehicle wraps, and ADA signage. As Installation Manager, I led crews across Florida, coordinating directly with clients, project managers, and field teams to ensure jobs were completed accurately and on schedule. I later expanded into fabrication, gaining hands-on experience with CNC routing, Accu-Bend, trim capping, and welding, which gives me a full-picture understanding of how signs are built — not just how they’re installed.
When I started this process, I had no idea that it was where I would end up. I remember being in High School and teachers either pushing for college or a decision on what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Did "commercial signs" ever even cross my mind? Of course not! My grandfather and father had always been in construction, so I was exposed to that kind of work constantly, drywall...framing...finishing, you name it! I knew college wasn't the route I wanted to go so I dove into the workforce young, always working my up the ladder quickly no matter where I was. I came across the sign business by complete chance when I was offered the apprentice position. It was immediate love for this industry! No one ever talked about it. It was never an option at career day, yet it was everything I had ever wanted in a career. I went in head first, learning anything I could from whoever was willing to teach me, and believe me, there was a LOT to learn. One thing I noticed immediately was the lack of female presence, especially in the field doing installs. It was very much a male driven industry.
These days, you see a lot of woman project managers and such, but you are seeing more and more women get into the manufacturing side. The fabrication and installation side. It's a heartwarming thing to see! There is, however, always room for more. In a world where college is pushed and expected, young people have lost out on a possible career path in the industry. I've learned over the years that not everyone learns in a classroom setting. Some people need that hands-on experience and training that you can only really get in the Blue Collar world. If I have one thing to say to the younger generations of women out there, DO NOT BE AFRAID! Don't be afraid to get out there with the best of them. Throw your steel-toes on and get down in the dirt! If you are a young woman that loves to do and learn something different every day, loves to be creative and get elbows deep in projects that you are passionate about, and isn't afraid to jump into the fire and run with it....I would recommend the sign industry any day of the week!
