Skilled workers see industry hiring demand
Skilled workers see industry hiring demand
Houston continues to have more job opportunities for skilled tradesmen than people to fill them. Houston is home to a broad industrial base in the energy, petrochemical, construction and technology industries, which means immediate career openings and the opportunity for long-term success.
However, education is key to long-term career success.
Throughout the Texas Gulf Coast region, a 39 percent job growth is anticipated by 2020 for carpenters; and 29 percent increase for pipe layers, plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters. Other areas for electricians, welders, and contractor laborers, also will experience a significant increase. However, all of these positions are in high demand today.
San Jacinto College, as well as Alief Independent School District in conjunction with Houston Community College, offer specialized courses for trades.
San Jacinto offers two paths for students interested in industrial technology. The technical degrees and certificates path allows for entrylevel industrial technology jobs to kick-start careers between six months to two years depending on the program, certificate or degree chosen. However, many who first receive a certificate usually return for their associate degree.
Hands-on training courses for skilled trades offered at San Jacinto College include electrical, sheet metal, welding, pipefitting, nondestructive testing courses, and professional truck driving.
Construction management, which is for a supervisory role such as ordering materials, logistics and simply how to get things built, is also popular and in demand.
“Engineering design graphics is a very hot field and due to all of the construction in and around Houston, most students do not complete this course. As soon as they get to a point where they learn the basics they are being offered jobs,” said Eddy Foster, department chair, industrial technology, San Jacinto North College.
Process technology offered at San Jacinto is for those interested in working in the petrochemical industry, and instrumentation diagnostics and repair is another area that is in a huge demand.
In all, San Jacinto offers more than 180 programs in different areas, and its placement rate remains high.
“Alief Independent School District has multiple programs that address industry need for skilled workers at our Career and Technical Education (CTE) Early College High School. We also offer other programs that students can enroll in at our comprehensive high schools, and they have the opportunity to participate while working toward their high school diploma,” said Kimberly B. Crow, coordinator, career and technical education, Alief Independent School District.
In skilled trades, students can enroll in areas such as construction and welding.
“Most of the CTE programs culminate simultaneously with high school graduation, but many of our students are able to secure summer employment and internships their senior year that support the CTE course,” Crow said.
In construction, students can begin taking dual credit coursework at Houston Community College working toward a Level 1 certificate in Construction Technology: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) helper.
“The welding program is a two-year program which provides students the opportunity to earn the Career Readiness; Work Keys Certification; OSHA 10-Hour; and welding qualifications,” Crow said.
All of Alief ISD’s programs are offered during traditional school days, without fees as long as the student is enrolled in Alief ISD and meets entrance requirements. Classes have a strong hands-on component.
“Because of the agreements we have with Houston Community College, some of the programs include articulated technical credit and/or dual credit which can be stacked into an associate degree,” Crow said.
For information about San Jacinto College’s programs, visit www.sanjac. edu/program/industrialtechnology; and for Alief ISD, www.aliefisd.net.