Lone Star College-North Harris will host a grand opening ceremony for its new LSC-Construction and Skilled Trades Technology Center Monday, Oct. 30, at 1:30 p.m., at 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive, Houston, TX 77073.

The new, state-of-the-art LSC-Construction and Skilled Trades Technology Center will allow LSC-North Harris to enhance the teaching and training of career and technical skills needed in today’s construction industry. “These skills are needed more now than ever, post-Harvey, and the college is poised to provide highly-skilled employees to the Houston economy,” said Dr. Gerald Napoles, LSC-North Harris president.

According to a July 2017 workforce survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America, 69 percent of Texas firms were experiencing labor shortages before Hurricane Harvey.

This new center offers four areas of study: Electrical Technology, HVAC-R, Field Services Technology and Pipefitting. Students pursuing coursework in these areas can earn first or second-level certificates or an Associate of Applied Science degree.

To meet the increasing demand for trained technicians, LSC-North Harris and the Texas Workforce Commission are working together to ensure that students receive a quality education and produce top-tier candidates to potential employers in the industry. Financial aid is readily available for those interested in pursuing one of these trades.

"While we had financial aid funding before, now we have more money available," said Michael Burns, LSC-North Harris dean of Career and Applied Technology. "For anybody that wants to attend college here and work in one of these trades, we can fund their education: their supplies; their work shirts; everything they need to be successful, not only in learning but also with job placement,” said Burns.

This 49,000 square foot state-of the art facility includes six classrooms, dedicated training labs for electrical technology, field service technology, HVAC-R and pipefitting as well as administrative and instructor offices and a conference center.

Keynote speakers include U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D. LSC chancellor; Dr. Alton Smith, LSC Board of Trustees chair; Dr. Gerald F. Napoles, LSC-North Harris president; and Linda Leto Head, LSC Workforce Education and Corporate Partnerships associate vice chancellor will also speak.

Funding of the approximately $19.2 million project came from the $485 million bond referendum approved by voters in 2014.

Lone Star College-North Harris will host a grand opening ceremony for its new LSC-Construction and Skilled Trades Technology Center.

Lone Star College-North Harris is located at 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive, one-half mile south of FM 1960 East, between Aldine-Westfield and Hardy Roads. For more information about the college, call 281.618.5400 or visit LoneStar.edu/NorthHarris.

Lone Star College offers high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education to 99,000 students each semester. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., serves as chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area with an annual economic impact of $3.1 billion. LSC consists of six colleges, eight centers, two university centers, Lone Star Corporate College and LSC-Online. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.