Partnering with Alief schools and community, HCC Northwest to offer manufacturing programs

HCC1HOUSTON October 2, 2013 – Houston Community College is preparing to break ground to expand workforce and career technology opportunities in Alief with a new 17,220 square-foot workforce building on the existing HCC Alief Bissonnet campus.

In addition to offices and conference space, the Alief Career Center will include classrooms and shops for students interested in heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), electrical and plumbing careers.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment outlooks from 2010 to 2020 for HVAC, electrical and plumbing are faster than the average for most occupations due to construction demand, retirement of more experienced workers and stricter laws with environmental concern.

HCC District VII Trustee, Neeta Sane was one of the many people that helped spearhead this project for Alief’s community.

“The expansion of the Bissonnet campus for workforce training programs is a proud step forward for Alief’s community. As these programs are also crucial to Houston’s growth, I’m glad to be instrumental in facilitating opportunities that benefit student success,” said Trustee Sane.

After the facility is built, students from Alief Independent School District Elsik, Hastings and Taylor High Schools will be transported to the Alief Career Center and afforded the opportunity to obtain a certificate in HVAC, electrical or plumbing.

“This is the first time that our college will offer manufacturing programs. We are committed to providing programs on our campuses that put people to work in areas that Houston needs most,” said Dr. Zachary Hodges, HCC Northwest President.

The center seeks to serve Alief ISD and the community, as HCC’s Continuing Education department will offer certificate programs and classes in the evening.

Scheduled for completion in July 2014, the center is one of many new developments for HCC’s Northwest College. In addition to aiding Houston’s pool of qualified manufacturing employees, the college is preparing to build a facility for students interested in science, technology, math and health careers at Eldridge and Bissonnet that will break ground spring 2014.

A groundbreaking for the center will be held Oct. 8 at 9:30 a.m. at the Bissonnet campus. Click here for more information and to RSVP.