Auto Industry Relies on Houston Community College for Trained Technicians
HOUSTON, TX – The automotive and heavy vehicle repair industry is thriving in the Houston area. Increases in vehicle maintenance, repairs, and parts sales, changing technology, and a growing transportation industry are driving the need for more highly trained technicians and support staff.
Houston Community College (HCC) is meeting the demand by connecting students to entry-level and advanced employment opportunities through career specific job fairs at which representatives from the automotive and transportation industry are recruiting current HCC students and graduates.
HCC alum David Almanzan knows all too well what it can mean for students when given the opportunity to work for industry leaders. “After graduating from HCC, I had the opportunity to work with high-end super cars like McLaren, Ferrari, and Lamborghini,” says Almanzan. Because of his extensive experience gained from industry, Almanzan was hired as an adjunct instructor for the HCC automotive program.
One recent automotive career fair at the HCC Automotive Technology Training Center attracted 26 companies. Attending students networked and interviewed with industry specific employers offering more than 200 part-time and fulltime jobs in automotive technology, paint refinishing, collision repair, classic car restoration, car and auto parts sales, commercial truck and heavy vehicle repair, and fleet maintenance. Students also found that they could find work as AC technicians and diesel mechanics.
Many employers in attendance also partner with HCC by providing scholarships, specialized curricula, equipment and supplies, and serving on advisory committees. “Our partners not only add value to our programs and instructional delivery, but they are instrumental in hiring our students,” says HCC Automotive Center of Excellence Dean David Vogel.
HCC is working to expand the program with innovative partnerships with Audi and others that will provide coursework coupled with hands-on training that can lead to certification and jobs with the automaker. “We are adding more specialized certifications that create pathways for graduates to find employment with leading transportation companies,” adds Vogel.
The Automotive Center of Excellence offers degrees and certificates in automotive technology, heavy vehicle and truck repair as well as auto body and collision repair. For more information, visit hccs.edu/automotive.