Mia Sanchez Enters Welding Trade Via Apprentice Program at Pala Indian Reservation

Mia Sanchez

Welder, LiUNA Local 89

Mia Sanchez took her first steps into the construction world through the San Diego Building and Construction Trades Council’s MC3/Apprenticeship Readiness Program, hosted by the California Indian Manpower Consortium at the Pala Indian Reservation. Last summer, Mia—alongside 14 fellow tribal members—successfully completed the Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3), earning a nationally recognized certification that opens doors to apprenticeships across North America.

During the program, participants dive into a wide range of essential training, from construction safety and sustainable building practices to financial literacy, diversity in the trades, and hands-on experience with tools and materials. Perhaps most importantly, the program offers a clear pathway into one of 22 skilled trade apprenticeships, helping students find the right fit for their future.

After graduating, Mia chose to specialize in welding. She joined LiUNA Local 89, where she completed extensive training and earned multiple welding certifications. Today, she’s proudly applying her skills at the San Diego International Airport, contributing to the Terminal 1 expansion as an employee of Reprohaus Corporation.

Building on this success, CIMC and SDBTC will launch another MC3/Apprenticeship Readiness Program in Pala starting June 2. The 10-week course runs Monday through Thursday and offers not only the MC3 certification but also credentials in OSHA 30, CPR/BLS, MEWP, and Intro to AutoCAD.

To support participants’ success, the program also provides childcare assistance, safety gear, stipends, tutoring, and more—ensuring  that every student has the tools they need to thrive in a career in the trades.

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