HCC and GHBA to build new opportunities for construction students

Jun 24, 2015

If you want to have a construction job, you will most likely find one in the Houston area. Construction on residential buildings alone is expected to grow 32.4 percent between now and 2022 and so will the need for more trained workers. That is why Houston Community College (HCC) and the Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA) have teamed up to build a unique opportunity for students and member companies.

“This partnership really addresses a need that we have for qualified residential/commercial construction workforce in the Gulf Coast Region,” said Dr. Kimberly Beatty, HCC vice chancellor for Instruction Services and chief academic officer. “HCC has the largest and longest construction program offerings in our area.”

Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between HCC and GHBA, the Association will provide students with exposure to member companies through paid internships and recruitment fairs. Dr. Cesar Maldonado, HCC chancellor, worked with his father in construction and has seen many changes in the industry over the years.

“Construction has evolved into a fascinating discipline,” Chancellor Maldonado said. “It’s not only a science; it’s an art and a skill. The way to train the workforce of the future is to recognize that and combine those.”

The Construction Trades program at HCC includes welding, machining, HVAC, plumbing, and residential wiring; which will become a Center of Excellence in the transformation plan of the institution.

Toy Wood, executive vice president and CEO for GHBA recognized HCC for having the most robust program in the region for homebuilding and viewed this partnership as a “win-win” situation.

“Our goal is to not only place your graduates in good jobs, but also when we find folks who need training, we are going to direct them to HCC,” Wood said.

For more information about the Construction and Trades Programs at HCC, visit hccs.edu.