Student Spotlight: Samantha Schreider

For Samantha Schreider, being a Warrior means striving to reach your goals despite the odds stacked against you.

Her career success is proof of this statement. Schreider recently became a journeyman ironworker as a member of Ironworkers Local 433. She is proud of her accomplishments and loves her work, though she faced some unique challenges along the way.

A few years after graduating from high school, she enrolled in El Camino College to take the welding courses needed for Los Angeles City certifications and to begin a career in welding. She started the program in 2018 but was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and then took a year off to have her daughter before returning.

“It was difficult navigating being a first-time mom, but my experience at El Camino was a good one,” said Schreider, who completed the program in 2022. “Professor Dylan Meek was my first teacher and gave me the support to keep on going. The program and community in the welding shop are solid – there was always help or room for extra time and one-on-one sessions. The staff had their heart in it, and it makes a difference.” 

She soon entered the process of becoming journeyman, which was also demanding, but she learned something interesting every day.

“It was a rough road, but it did go by quick,” she said. “Going to the apprentice school got us ready for what was to come and held us accountable for the strengths we lacked.”  

Schreider is currently working on repair and restoration projects at a medical facility’s multistory parking lot.

Welding to me has always felt therapeutic,” she said.

“I enjoy working alone and getting lost in the puddle. I’m never bored of it; it’s like proving yourself over and over on a canvas. My career challenges me every day; there is always something new. I enjoy using my hands and seeing our projects come to life. The laborious parts of my career keep me humbled but I’m still always so proud when I get through it.”

When not at work, Schreider enjoys time outdoors with her daughter. Beach days, skating, and hiking are often on the agenda.

She balances her work and homelife with the heart of Warrior.

“A Warrior shows up to hold their place in the community alongside their peers to keep each other aligned and never gives up!”