(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas State Technical College will launch its Building Construction program this fall at the Fort Bend County campus, creating a new workforce training pathway for students interested in careers in the construction field.
The Texas Workforce Commission projects continued growth in the state’s construction industry, increasing demand for workers in the skilled trades, field supervision, and project management.
The program will offer a certificate of completion program designed to equip students with the skills needed to enter the workforce and pursue careers throughout Texas. Students will receive hands-on training in framing, roofing systems, concrete work, blueprint reading, estimating, project management, and equipment operation while earning an OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) 30-hour industry certification and other industry-recognized credentials.
“We are addressing that demand through hands-on training that mirrors what students will experience in the field,” said Shawn McNeil, TSTC’s Building Construction program team lead.
As Fort Bend County and the greater Houston area continue to experience rapid growth, McNeil said the need for skilled construction professionals continues to rise.
“One example is the Austin Point Development in Fort Bend County, which is expected to bring thousands of new homes, schools, businesses and supporting infrastructure to the area,” he said. “Projects of this scale require a highly skilled workforce. By training our students, TSTC helps meet industry demand while creating job opportunities for individuals and families to earn high-wage careers and contribute to the region’s economic growth.”
McNeil said building strong industry partnerships is critical to creating opportunities for students.
“We have been working closely with organizations such as the Association General Contractors of America – Houston Chapter and the Greater Houston Builders Association to connect students with employers, internships and job opportunities,” he said. “These partnerships help ensure our curriculum aligns with industry needs while creating a direct pathway from the lab to employment.”
Chris Bolio, president of the Greater Houston Builders Association, said their organization represents an industry that is constantly working to meet the housing needs of a growing region.
“The single greatest threat to housing families in our city, our state and across the country is the escalating cost of construction, and the availability of a strong skilled workforce is a major part of that equation,” he said. “That is why programs like TSTC’s Building Construction program matter. They connect education, opportunity and employer demand in a way that benefits students, businesses and the communities we serve.”
Registration for the fall semester is now underway at TSTC. For more information, visit TSTC.edu.