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CET Prepares Female Student in Non-Traditional Job of Welding

Maria was born in Mexico, into a large family of 3 brothers 6 sisters. Her father worked to support the family, while her mother stayed at home taking care of this wonderful family. Maria's father came to US when he was young and worked in the fields to send money home for his family.

Maria's childhood began like many children in Mexico; she attended Primary and Junior High School in Tijuana, and was aware that her family struggled financially, but remembers a happy childhood. She only completed one year of High School, because she fell in love and got married when she was only 17 years old; her husband was 20 years old. As is a tradition in the Mexican culture, Maria did not finish school, and rather spent time at home to build a family.

Maria had always had a mindset that she would encourage her children to have professional goals. Several of her brothers and sisters became professionals and even though she did not have the same chance, she wanted to make sure her children did. So in 2000 she and her husband moved their family to the US to seek opportunities for better work and income. Her husband worked in landscaping, and initially, Maria did not work, as she was busy raising 2 daughters and a son: they continued to struggle financially.

Maria heard about CET and enrolled in the San Diego Welding Fabrication Class. Dora Mendivil, San Diego's CET Center Director bragged, "Maria immediately demonstrated she had the tenacity and desire to excel in a non-traditional female" field. During her training, she attended English as a Second Language and upon completing her training; she was employed by NASSCO (National Steel and Shipyard Company), a federal contractor. Her initial job title was "Welder Helper" with a salary of $8.14 an hour, plus benefits. In a only 3 years, Maria progressed in her career to achieve a "Journeyman" Level IV Welder, and currently earns $15.62 an hour, plus benefits. Her primary work is welding the large ship hulls.

Why is this a Success Story? Because Maria did not complete High School and had no work experience prior to her employment with NASSCO, but they were willing to take a risk on her, as NASSCO has a strong relationship with CET and their graduates. Maria has overcome the challenge for women working in the welding field: "I am patient and work hard to prove myself each day", explained Maria.

"CET helped me, as a woman to consider work alternatives and to build my confidence to enter a traditionally male dominated industry. I enjoy the challenge of a hard project — it is artistic — and when I she see the big boats in their finished state, I am proud of my work. CET is good place to learn a skill and get job preparation. I am grateful for the encouragement and training I received!" Her income has afforded her family the opportunities she did not have in her youth. One daughter is a successful dentist and her other daughter and son are currently attending college.

Maria continues to visit CET as a motivational guest speaker to their welding students. She is an inspiration to the other women at CET, and in fact, there are several women now placed and working at NASCO as welders.

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