Houston Community College’s Work-Based Learning and Industry Partnerships Department welcomed students from five HISD high schools for a summit on professional apprenticeship. Students from Furr High School, Kashmere High School, Sterling High School, North Forest High School, and Sam Houston High School enjoyed an informative school day-long information session.

The summit included women speakers from the United States Department of Labor, the Texas Workforce Commission, and more. Also present was a panel of current and former professional apprentices who benefited from the Registered Apprenticeship, an industry-driven training model enacted as part of the National Apprenticeship Act.

“The model of apprenticeship is the key solution to the United States’ economic talent acquisition challenge that we’re facing today,” said Madeline Burillo-Hopkins, Vice Chancellor of Workforce at HCC Southwest. “What we want to do with events like today’s is to increase awareness, not only for young people but also for employers, that the apprenticeship model provides the qualified, diverse, and inclusive pipeline that employers are seeking today.”

Students learned about the benefits of beginning their careers with Registered Apprenticeships and how the program was designed to set apprentices up for professional success. This year, the National Apprenticeship Act celebrates its 85th anniversary.

Registered Apprenticeships are designed to prepare apprentices for a professional career with on-the-job paid training and opportunities in countless industries, from information technology to medicine and more.

For more information on available apprenticeship opportunities in the Houston area, visit the Gulf Coast Region Apprenticeship Hub.