Vocational Opportunities In Texas

There are a variety of vocational opportunities in Houston. Here are some of the more popular training areas. More will be added.

Welder

Welders use hand-held or remotely controlled equipment to join or cut metal parts. Welding is used in shipbuilding, automobile manufacturing and repair, aerospace applications, and thousands of other manufacturing activities. Welding also is used to join steel beams in the construction of buildings, bridges, and other structures and to join pipes in pipelines and power plants. Welders work in a wide variety of industries, from car racing to manufacturing.

Median Annual Salary: $39,000

Job Outlook: Growth of 4% over next 7 years, slower than the average for all occupations

A Typical Day

Study blueprints, sketches, or specifications
Calculate dimensions to be welded
Inspect structures or materials to be welded
Ignite torches or start power supplies
Monitor the welding process to avoid overheating
Maintain equipment and machinery

How to Become One

1. Houston Community College

Basic Welding Helper Certificate

Time to complete: 1 semester (15 weeks)

Tuition and fees: $1200 + books and supplies (calculated based on TX residency)

*These courses are also offered in Spanish*

Advanced Welding Certificate: Enhances the skills learned in the helper certificate by providing more advanced training

Time to complete: 3 semesters (44 weeks)

Tuition and fees =$3,000 investment + books and supplies. (Calculated based on TX residency).

For more information and to register, visit http://www.hccs.edu/programs/programs-a-z/welding-technology/

2. Industrial Welding Academy

Offers 5 welding courses from beginning to advanced.

Time to complete: Each course ranges from 3 to 6 weeks

Tuition and fees: $3000 to $4300 depending on the course chosen.

*Classes are held Monday through Thursday from 12:30pm to 4:30pm and 5:00pm to 9:00pm. 1 hour of each day is spent doing classroom safety and theory and the remaining 3 hours is spent doing hands-on training.*

For more information, visit

Medical Assistant

Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.

Median Annual Salary: $31,000

Job Outlook: Growth of 23% over next 7 years, much faster than the average for all occupations

A Typical Day

Record patient history and personal information
Measure vital signs, such as blood pressure
Help the physician with patient examinations
Give patients injections or medications as directed by the physician and as permitted by state law
Schedule patient appointments
Prepare blood samples for laboratory tests
Enter patient information into medical records

How to Become One

1. Houston Community College

Medical Assistant Certificate

Time to complete: 3 semesters (44 weeks)

Tuition and fees =$4,000 + books and supplies. (calculated based on TX residency).

Prerequisites:

a. Must attend a program session held the first Thursday of the month (unless a holiday) at 5:30 p.m. Registration required through www.colemanconnection.org .

b. The TSI (Texas Success Initiative) test (unless earned an Associate Degree or higher) is required. If TSI is not met, the applicant must complete these courses- Integrated Reading and Writing 0420 or Health Professions 1271 AND Math 0409 or Technical Mathematics 1303 with completion with a grade of “C” or better.

c. Prerequisites required for the program are Health Professions 1201 and English 1301 with completion of “C” or better.

d. An Official High School and/or College Transcripts or GED.

e. Must complete a personal interview with the program faculty member.

f. Must complete a criminal background check and urine test.

g. A physical exam with current immunizations is required. The cost for drug screen, background check and physical exam with immunizations is the responsibility of the accepted applicant.

For more information and to register, visit http://www.hccs.edu/finder/programs/medical-assistant---certificate/

2. Astrodome Career Centers

Medical Assistant Certificate

Time to complete: 9 months

Tuition and fees = ~$21,000

Prerequisites:

a. An Official High School Diploma or General Education Development Test (GED) documentation

b. Valid Driver’s License

c. Must complete an admissions test on subjects of reading, math, and language

For more information, visit http://www.astrodome.edu/medical-assistant

Truck Driver: Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

Tractor-trailer truck drivers transport goods from one location to another. These drivers deliver goods over intercity routes, sometimes spanning several states. Working as a long-haul truck driver is a major lifestyle choice because these drivers can be away from home for days or weeks at a time. A driver must know which roads allow trucks and which do not. Drivers also must plan legally required rest periods into their trip. Some drivers have one or two routes that they drive regularly, and others drivers take many different routes throughout the country.

Median Annual Salary: $40,000

Job Outlook: Growth of 5% over next 7 years, as fast as the average for all occupations

A Typical Day

Drive long distances
Report to a dispatcher any incidents encountered on the road
Follow all applicable traffic laws
Inspect their trailers before and after the trip, and record any defects they find
Maintain a log of their working hours, following all federal and state regulations
Report serious mechanical problems to the appropriate personnel
Keep their trucks and associated equipment clean and in good working order

How to Become One

1. Houston Community College

Receive Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

Time to complete: 6 or 12 week programs offered with day, evening, and weekend options

Tuition and fees: $3500

Prerequisites:

a. Be at least 18-years-old for intrastate; 21-years-old interstate

b. Pass a Department of Transportation physical and drug test

c. Have a good driving record

d. Have a valid Class C Driver’s License

For more information, visit http://www.hccs.edu/continuing-education/departments/transportation/truck-driving/

2. Alliance for Multicultural Community Services

Receive Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

Time to complete: 1 month

Tuition and fees: $200 registration fee. Once full-time employment is obtained, monthly payments of $75 to repay $750. Monthly payments are used to provide scholarships to other students.

Prerequisites:

a. Must be a refugee

b. 21 years old or older

c. Valid driver’s license with clean driving record

d. Speak English at an intermediate level

e. Read at a minimum of 4th grade level

Complete an assessment after attending orientation on topics including reading, math computation, applied math, and language.

Plumber

Plumbers install and repair pipes that carry liquids or gases to, from, and within businesses, homes, and factories. They also install plumbing fixtures – bathtubs, showers, sinks and toilets – and appliances such as dishwashers, garbage disposals, and water heaters. Some plumbers maintain septic systems – the large, underground holding tanks that collect waste from houses not connected to a city or county’s sewer system.

Median Annual Salary: $50,000

Job Outlook: Growth of 12% over next 7 years, faster than the average for all occupations

A Typical Day

Install pipes and fixtures
Study blueprints and follow state and local building codes
Determine the amount of material and type of equipment needed
Inspect and test installed pipe systems and pipelines
Troubleshoot systems that are not working
Replace worn parts

How to Become One

1. Plumbers Local 68

Plumbing Apprenticeship Program

Learn the skills and knowledge of how to be a plumber on the job, under the supervision of an experienced professional. Take classes while working full-time. The apprenticeship provides health benefits and first year hourly wages of $14.00/hr. Hourly wages increase with skill level.

Time to complete: 5 years

Tuition and fees: $88.00/semester for class registration

Prerequisites:

a. 18 years of age

b. High school diploma or GED

c. All applicants will be interviewed by a committee.

For more information, visit http://plu68.com/training-center/apprentice-notice

Electrician

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories. They read blueprints and use different types of hand and power tools.

Median Annual Salary: $52,000

Job Outlook: Growth of 14% over next 7 years, much faster than the average for all occupations

A Typical Day

Install pipes and fixtures
Read blueprints or technical diagrams
Install and maintain wiring, control, and lighting systems
Inspect electrical components, such as transformers and circuit breakers
Identify electrical problems using a variety of testing devices
Repair or replace wiring, equipment, or fixtures using hand tools and power tools
Follow state and local building regulations based on the National Electrical Code
Direct and train workers to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring or equipment

How to Become One

1. Houston Electrical Training Center

Apprenticeship Program

Apprentices work 40 hours per week under the supervision of an experienced electrician. Attend class one night per week between 6:00pm – 10:00pm. Starting pay for electrical apprentices is $15.13/hr. and increases after each year of the program. Receive health insurance and retirement pensions as an apprentice.

Time to complete: 5 years

Tuition and fees: $400/year. Books and study materials are given at no cost to the apprentice.

Prerequisites:

a. High school diploma or GED

b. Completed one year of high school algebra or equivalent with a passing grade

c. Must be 18 years old

d. Must pass the NJATC General Aptitude Test consisting of reading comprehension and algebra

e. Must provide Valid Driver’s License and Social Security Card

f. Will complete an interview with members of the contractors and union

g. Physically capable

For more information, visit www.houstonjatc.com/

HVACR Technician

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, called HVACR technicians, work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems.

Median Annual Salary: $45, 110

Job Outlook: Growth of 14% over next 7 years, much faster than the average for all occupations

A Typical Day

Use blueprints or design specifications to install or repair HVACR systems
Connect systems to fuel and water supply lines, air ducts, and other components
Install electrical wiring and controls and test for their proper operation
Inspect and maintain customers’ HVACR systems
Test individual components to determine necessary repairs
Repair or replace worn or defective parts
Determine HVACR systems’ energy use and make recommendations to improve their efficiency

How to Become One

1. Houston Community College: Basic Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Certificate – Level 1

Time to complete: 2 semesters (30 weeks)

Tuition and fees: $1700 + course materials (calculated based on TX residency)

Prerequisites: None

For more information and to apply, visit http://www.hccs.edu/finder/programs/basic-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration---certificate-level-i/

2. Houston Community College: Advanced Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Certificate

Time to complete: 3 semesters (45 weeks)

Tuition and fees: $3000 + course materials (calculated based on TX residency)

Prerequisites: None

For more information and to apply, visit http://www.hccs.edu/finder/programs/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-technology---certificate/

American Red Cross Child Care Certification

Advanced Child Care Training with Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED

This course teaches the knowledge and skills necessary to responsibly care for children and infants in and outside of the home. Learn leadership, child behavior and discipline, professionalism, safety, basic childcare (bottle feeding, holding) as well as training toward certification in Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED. This blended learning course combines online learning with instructor-led training. After successful completion of the online and classroom sessions, learners will receive the following certifications, each valid for 2 years: Advanced Child Care Training – Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED.

*** This program is not intended as certification for state licensed child-care providers and does not meet all state requirements for such certification. ***

Time to complete: Online course + 1 full day of in-class instruction

Tuition and fees: $129

Prerequisites:

a. Targets adult learners, 16 years or older

Child Care Provider

Childcare workers provide care for children when parents and other family members are unavailable. They attend to children’s basic needs and may work in childcare centers, their own home, or the homes of children in their care.

Median Annual Salary: $20,000

Job Outlook: Growth of 5% over next 7 years, as fast as average for all occupations

A Typical Day

Supervise and monitor the safety of children in care
Prepare and organize mealtimes and snacks for children
Help children keep good hygiene
Organize activities and implement a curriculum that allows children to learn about the world and explore their interests
Develop schedules and routines to ensure that children have enough physical activity, rest, and playtime
Watch for signs of emotional or developmental problems in children and bring the problems to the attention of their parents
Keep records of children’s progress, routines, and interest

How to Become One

Daycare centers require employees to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma/GED. Many daycare centers prefer the Child Development Associate (CDA) certification. Obtaining this certification will expand the opportunities for which you qualify and also allow you to apply to higher quality organizations.

1. Successful Solutions Training in Child Development : Online CDA certification

Time to complete: 120 hours of online instruction. Usually takes 3 months – 1 year but the program is self-paced so the length of time is dependent on student effort

Tuition and fees: $399 for online course

Prerequisites:

a. High School Diploma or GED

b. An additional 480 hours of work experience in a licensed daycare center – can be done as volunteer hours and can be completed over a three year period of time

For more information and to register, visit http://www.cdastars.com/cda.html

2. Houston Community College: Child Development Associate Certificate

Time to complete: 6 months

Tuition and fees: $900 + $115 for books and materials

Prerequisites:

a. High School Diploma or GED

b. An additional 480 hours or 12 weeks of experience in a licensed daycare facility must be completed within a five year period.

For more information and to register, visit http://www.hccs.edu/continuing-education/departments/business/child-development-associate/