Itzel Martinez

19-year-old Itzel Martinez is forging a bright future for herself. A student at Emily Griffith Technical College, Itzel is on track to graduate in November 2024 with a certificate in Welding, and she’s ready to take her skills from the classroom to the job site. But Itzel’s journey is more than just learning to weld; it’s about breaking barriers and defying expectations in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Itzel balances working at a restaurant with hands-on experience in welding, thanks to a local artist who saw potential in her and gave her a job in their shop. That’s when she realized she had a passion for the trade.

“I started welding with a local artist who taught me the ropes, and it just clicked,” Itzel explains. “It wasn’t just about earning extra money, it was something I really enjoyed and wanted to get better at.”

Welding, pipefitting, structural work—it all appeals to Itzel’s practical, problem-solving nature. After graduation, she’s hoping to explore these avenues further, whether it's joining the ranks of structural welders or diving into pipefitting. What’s clear is that she’s driven, and she’s not afraid of hard work. "I love the satisfaction that comes with it. You create something, and it lasts," she adds.

Itzel’s choice of Emily Griffith Technical College was influenced by her sister, who completed the College’s Cosmetology program. After doing her own research, Itzel found that the welding program offered what she needed—quality instruction, affordability, and a location close to home.

“I looked at other schools, but Emily Griffith was not only the best choice, but the most affordable one,” Itzel says. “Plus, I won’t be graduating with debt, which is a huge relief.”

The hands-on learning environment also drew her in. From day one, students like Itzel are working with materials and machinery, learning the trade by doing, not just sitting through lectures. “They have us in the shop almost immediately, and that’s what I love. You learn by getting your hands dirty.”

Like many trades, welding has traditionally been dominated by men. For Itzel, that meant adjusting to a classroom where most of her peers were male. At first, it was an intimidating environment, but thanks to having a female instructor at Emily Griffith with a no-nonsense approach, Itzel found her footing.

“She made it clear from the beginning—no sexism, no excuses,” Itzel recalls. “That made all the difference.”

Itzel feels confident in her skills now, and she’s ready to take the next step in her career. In fact, she hopes to one day become a traveling structural welder, and possibly even start her own business.

“It’s important for women to be represented in skilled trades to show that we’re just as capable as men,” Itzel says. “We can succeed in these industries too.”

With graduation on the horizon, Itzel has a plan. She’ll continue her apprenticeship with the local artist who helped her get her start, but she’s also looking ahead at bigger opportunities. Jobs in pipefitting or structural welding are at the top of her list, and she’s excited about where her career could take her.

One thing is certain—she’s prepared. “I’m confident in the skills I’ve learned here, and I’m ready for whatever comes next,” Itzel says with determination.

Itzel also emphasizes the impact of  Emily Griffith Foundation, which supports students through scholarships and equipment purchases. “The donations really help students, whether it's through scholarships or getting the right tools in the shop. That makes a huge difference for all the students.”

As for others considering Emily Griffith, Itzel’s advice is simple: “It’s not a competition. We’re all here to learn and grow in different ways. Just learn at your own pace.”

For Itzel, that approach has worked wonders. From balancing work at a fast-food restaurant to gaining experience with a local artist, she’s learned that success in welding—like in life—is about persistence, passion, and a willingness to forge your own path.