HCC ribbon cutting highlights workforce opportunities
Sep 7, 2016
The economic trend of retiring baby boomers and the creation of nearly one million new manufacturing jobs over the next several years are reasons why now is the time to educate and train the next generation of skilled workers.
Houston Community College (HCC) is taking advantage of this opportunity by expanding manufacturing education and workforce programs with the new HCC Stafford Workforce Building on the Stafford Campus of Southwest College.
“Stafford is a hub for manufacturing,” said Neeta Sane, HCC Board of Trustees, District VII. “Over the next decade the job growth in this city alone is predicted to be nearly 42 percent.”
During a ceremonial ribbon cutting for the new facility, Trustee Sane joined fellow trustees, administrators, students, and staff in thanking Stafford and Fort Bend County officials for supporting the growth of HCC and its commitment to the community and students.
The 57,000 square-foot, LEED Silver Certified building will house the HCC Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence. Associate degree and certificate programs such as manufacturing engineering technology, machining technology, plumbing, welding, pipefitting, robotics, and mechatronics will give students get hands-on training in state-of-the-art industrial labs.
“The 21st Century worker must be a lifelong learner to keep up with the transformative ways to support imagination and innovations,” said Dr. Madeline Burillo, president, HCC Southwest. “HCC is fully committed to being a key provider of the best quality workforce and this facility is a clear example of that commitment.”
HCC Chancellor, Dr. Cesar Maldonado, worked in the manufacturing and process industries and spoke about how manufacturing has changed dramatically over the past several decades.
“It is not the same manufacturing that we used to have. It is smarter,” said Maldonado. “The manufacturing that is coming back to our country depends on the technological advances that are happening all around us. The training and education that will happen at HCC will need to focus on those advancements.”
“It is about planning ahead and making sure we have a well-prepared workforce,” said Dr. Adriana Tamez, HCC Board of Trustees Chair. “HCC is providing opportunities and facilities so in the end we are contributing to Houston, Stafford, Fort Bend County, and surrounding cities.”
Robert Glaser, Vice Chair, HCC Board of Trustees, District V, owns an industrial supply business in Stafford and understands the significance of having a facility and programs of this magnitude in the community.
“I hope businesses in the area interact with HCC and take advantage of this facility to create prototypes and really develop a synergy between commercial businesses and HCC,” said Glaser.
The official Grand Opening ceremony for the Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence is Tuesday, October 12.
For more information about the Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence visit, hccs.edu/manufacturing.
