HOUSTON (October 27, 2011) – HoustonWorks USA will break out the hardhats and hammers as it participates in Careers in Construction Week, Oct. 31 – Nov. 4, 2011. The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) observes Careers In Construction Week and partners with local governments, non-profit organizations and private companies to participate in the “Build Your Future” campaign, designed to showcase the excitement and challenges to begin a career in the construction industry and increase public awareness of the contributions and craftsmanship of construction professionals.
“We are excited and encouraged to see HoustonWorks USA participate in Careers in Construction Week. It is efforts such as these that will help young people see what great career opportunities the career industry offers,” said Diane Greene, Build Your Future Executive Director.
During Careers in Construction Week, HoustonWorks USA will partner with Pasadena Independent School District and L. P. Card Career and Technical Center to educate students currently enrolled in their construction and industrial vocational programs. Students will be visited by guest speakers from the Home Builders Institute, U.S. Green Building Council Gulf Coast Chapter, Workforce Solutions Pasadena and local employers.
“Through partnership with HoustonWorks USA, the observance of Careers in Construction week serves as a catalyst for our students to learn about the diversity of the industry and make the transition into employment or higher education,” Sarah Wrobleski, Career & Technical Education Department Director for Pasadena ISD, said.
HoustonWorks USA will kick-off Careers in Construction Week with Pasadena Mayor Johnny Isbell and the Pasadena City Council Meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday Nov. 1, 2011 at Pasadena City Hall.
HoustonWorks USA facilitates the following youth programs to foster interest in careers in the construction industry:
“As current members of the construction industry beginning to retire, there is risk of a potential void of skilled professionals and industrial workers,” Larry V. Green, CEO, HoustonWorks USA, said. “Through Careers in Construction Week, HoustonWorks USA is rising to this challenge and setting a foundation for youth to take a second look at the industry.”
“The field of construction contains multiple career opportunities for a young person to pursue, from traditional crafts to professional roles utilizing state of the art technology,” Anan Qaddumi, Vice President, Operations, The Interfield Group, Inc., and HoustonWorks USA Board Member, said. “HoustonWorks USA will employ the key elements of Careers in Construction Week to showcase the field’s importance to not only the workforce, but to the growth of our local communities.”
During Careers in Construction Week, HoustonWorks USA will also recognize the WorkReady Houston program. WorkReady Houston, a comprehensive workforce training program, provides job readiness and occupational training for local workers to develop construction-related knowledge and skills. The initiative supports the needs of Houston METRO, Houston Rapid Transit and its subcontractors on the METRORail expansion project.
WorkReady Houston offers a series of free classes covering the following trades:
HoustonWorks USA manages eight of the largest Workforce Solutions career centers, which provide services for local residents seeking assistance in securing employment and job-related training, including opportunities in the construction industry. Additionally, financial assistance and resources for qualified applicants may be available to secure work-related tools and certifications, such as NCCER.
For more information about WorkReady Houston, including eligibility requirements and class calendar, please contact wft@railmeansbusiness.com or call 713-691-7940 ext.109.
For more information on C-CORE Houston, YouthBuild Houston or to arrange for a HoustonWorks USA representative to discuss workforce development in the construction industry, please contact Andrew Ortiz, Marketing Manager, at 713-884-3330 x 117 or by e-mail at Andrew.Ortiz@houstonworks.org.
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, and 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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