HOUSTON (Jan. 23, 2012) – Lone Star College System is offering a new, free program at LSC-University Park beginning on Feb. 20 that will train students to be an engineering technician assistant in just six weeks.
The free training is offered through the Lone Star Energy & Manufacturing Institute and interested applicants need to apply and be granted access. The program consists of three classes for a total of 154 contact hours.
A high school diploma or GED is not required to begin this certification, but all students must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must complete a workplace skills assessment. Male students between the ages of 18 and 26 must be registered with Selective Service as required by federal law.
And the most exciting aspect of the program for its students is that LSCS has partnered with two Houston companies that have agreed to hire students who successfully complete the program, pending a standard employment screening.
“This program is a great opportunity for potential students interested in the energy business,” said Linda Head, associate vice chancellor of workforce development. “First, it’s free and more importantly, there are local companies who have offered to immediately hire those who complete the six weeks of training.”
The cost for this certification program is free to qualified applicants — no cost to the students and books are included. The program is fully funded by a $500,000 Wagner-Peyser grant awarded to the Lone Star College Office of Workforce Development in the fall of 2011.
Engineering technician assistants typically install and maintain production oil field service equipment, robots, automated manufacturing machines, oil field pumps, gas pumps, and security systems. They are required to work on and with equipment integrating electronics, mechanics, pneumatics, hydraulics and computer controls.
In Texas, projections show that there will be an 18 percent increase in careers for engineering technician assistants by 2018.
This program is part of the Lone Star Energy & Manufacturing Institute, which teaches a combination of skills that prepare students to perform many different jobs in industries including petroleum-field services and automated manufacturing.
The program is also financially assisted under Title I of the Workforce Investment Act. To receive an application for acceptance into the program, contact Joe Ed Bunton at 281-290-5016.
For specific questions about the Engineering Technician Assistant program, please call Joe Ed Bunton at 281-290-5016 or email Joe.Bunton@LoneStar.edu or Cheryl Smith at 281-290-3610 or email at Cheryl.R.Smith@LoneStar.edu.
With more than 75,000 students in credit classes for fall 2011, and a total enrollment of more than 90,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area, and the fastest-growing community college system in Texas. Dr. Richard Carpenter is the chancellor of LSCS, which consists of six colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, LSC-Tomball, and LSC-University Park, six centers, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.
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