Articles

HCC and WSB launch CAD Technician Apprenticeship to bridge education and industry

By Donald Sparks, HCC Central Communications Director

Jun 26, 2024

Houston Community College (HCC) is partnering with WSB, a design and consulting firm based in Minneapolis, to launch an innovative apprenticeship program aimed at preparing students for dynamic careers in drafting, engineering, environmental and community planning services.

HCC Central College Interim President Edmund “Butch” Herod, Ph.D., and Jesse Sievers, WSB’s director of talent acquisition, signed an agreement recently to launch the HCC/WSB CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Technician Apprenticeship Program to help apprentices earn Associate of Science degrees in drafting/design.

Based in Minnesota, WSB specializes in engineering, community planning, environmental and construction services with more than 1,250 employees across the nation.

The partnership will offer HCC students the opportunity to use CAD software to create technical drawings and plans. Students will also develop the ability to prepare and understand construction plans and technical documents.

“HCC is dedicated to building the workforce of tomorrow,” Herod said. “The apprenticeship program is critical to ensuring we’re able to support the need for a skilled workforce through collaboration and industry support. Partnering with WSB for the CAD Technician apprenticeship program naturally aligns with our mission to serve our communities and improve lives – one student at a time.”

According to Christina Robinson, Ed.D., executive director of HCC Work-Based Learning and Industry Partnerships, the agreement will help engineering companies fill skilled positions in the construction services.

“HCC works with industries across the nation to design apprenticeship programs that meet their specific needs,” Robinson said. “Through this partnership, our students will be able to work and study simultaneously while receiving a full understanding of civil engineering techniques from WSB.”

Please click here to see photos from the event.