Applications Now Being Accepted
HOUSTON (August 25, 2010) –HoustonWorks USA announces the launch of WorkReady Houston, a comprehensive program with Houston METRO to provide job training and placement assistance to Houston’s workers who are interested in acquiring new construction-related jobs and expand their existing skills, during a media event at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at the Latino Learning Center located at 3522 Polk Street, Houston, TX 77003.
The brainchild of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, WorkReady Houston is already accepting applications for the first course, a class to train general laborers. Available in English and Spanish, this course introduces basic safety, construction math and blueprint concepts. Candidates who successfully complete the course will earn certification as a general laborer by the National Center for Construction Education & Research. More classes will follow; the job-training initiative supports the needs of Houston Rapid Transit and its subcontractors as construction progresses on the METRORail expansion project.
“With an expanded light rail system, METRO is laying the groundwork for Houston as the global city of tomorrow. With WorkReady Houston, we’re helping ensure a prepared workforce and building our city’s future, one job at a time,” said Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee, who has worked with METRO and its light rail facility provider for the past year to establish the program.
“In a time when many employers, especially in the transit industry, continue to downsize, it’s exciting that METRO is looking to put more people to work,” said METRO Chairman Gilbert Garcia. “We are proud to be a part of such a noteworthy program that will help individuals build a strong foundation to improve their development. And we are very appreciative of the Congresswoman’s continued support in this effort.”
“HoustonWorks USA was founded more than 25 years ago with our mission ‘to meet the demands of Greater Houston-area employers, provide area residents with strong employment opportunities, and support regional efforts to recruit employers with the need for skilled, high-wage employees while strengthening and improving local communities,’” said Larry V. Green Esq., CEO HoustonWorks USA. “We are honored to be working with Congresswoman Lee and METRO on training Houstonians to help bring more training opportunities to Houston.”
Individuals interested in learning more about the program should call 832.397.1190or visit www.railmeansbusiness.com.
About HoustonWorks USA:
Founded in 1984, HoustonWorks USA is the leading provider of services focusing on job placement, continuing education and vocational training. Serving more than 1 million annually, HoustonWorks USA provides job seekers with a variety of workshops including job search techniques, interviewing skills and resume writing, or use of the resource library with Internet access and postings of local, state and national job openings. Training is also available in career fields such as healthcare, business, computers and education. HoustonWorks USA manages several of the largest Workforce Solutions offices in Houston and the surrounding region for the Houston Galveston Area Council. These offices offer a wide range of services for job seekers as well as employers looking for trained workers. HoustonWorks also provides numerous youth programs including internships, scholarships, summits and summer camps. HoustonWorks is a 501(c) 3, tax-exempt organization. Visit www.houstonworks.org for additional information.
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