CIH TO PARTNER WITH HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND LOCAL EMPLOYERS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A ROBUST NETWORK OF INDUSTRY AND EDUCATION PARTNERS TO FOSTER WORKFORCE TRAINING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOCUSED ON RENEWABLE ENERGY, TRANSPORTATION, AND BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE AS PART OF BIDEN-HARRIS’ “INVESTING IN AMERICA” AGENDA.
Capital IDEA Houston is thrilled to announce the receipt of a $2,000,000 Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs grant from the US Department of Labor (DOL) to partner with Houston Community College (HCC) and other local employers for the implementation of a robust network of industry and education collaborators to foster workforce development and community empowerment over the next five years. This initiative will focus on providing quality training to job seekers, work-based learning opportunities and a worker-centered strategy to support local renewable energy, transportation, and broadband infrastructure sectors. The partnership between the DOL and Capital IDEA Houston is one of 34 public-private partnerships in 25 states across the United States to meet workforce needs as part of the Biden-Harris administration’s “Investing in America” agenda.
This initiative will prioritize asset limited, income constrained, (ALICE) low-to-moderate income individuals, and historically marginalized and underrepresented populations, including women and people of color.
Employers from Technology, Automotive, Manufacturing, Green Jobs, and Construction sectors as well as Community leaders who want to collaborate in innovative workforce initiatives are invited to join us for a luncheon and discussion on how the grant award will impact the local workforce landscape. The event, "Unlocking Potential, Shaping Tomorrow: Diversity in Houston's Workforce," will take place on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Amegy Tower.
Please RSVP by March 27, 2024 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unlocking-potential-shaping-tomorrow-diversity-in-houstons-workforce-tickets-862254224597?aff=oddtdtcreator
Approaches for Increasing Job Quality
The proposed project will integrate and align with the Departments of Commerce and Labor's Good Job Principles focused on 1. Recruitment and Hiring, 2. Benefits, 3. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, 4. Empowerment and Representation, 5. Job Security and Working Conditions, 6. Organizational Culture, 7. Pay, and 8. Skills and Career Advancement.
Collaboration with Houston Community College (HCC):
CIH has partnered with Houston Community College for over 14 years, developing successful education and training projects. The collaboration on this grant extends into new program offerings and sponsorships, including cybersecurity, solar photovoltaic technology, machining technology, electric vehicle service technology, smart building technology, and artificial intelligence.
Addressing Emerging Sectors:
Houston, traditionally known for its dominance in the oil and gas industry, has emerged as a leader in renewable energy. With these DOL funds Capital DEA Houston will be able to support students interested in emerging industries such as Solar Photovoltaic Technology, addressing the increasing demand for local skilled workers. The DOL funding will support occupational training at Houston Community College in Machining, Cybersecurity, Smart Building Technology, Artificial Intelligence (Software Developer), Solar Photovoltaic Installer, and Electric Vehicle Technician.
The city's progress in electric vehicles is also acknowledged, with CIH's program supporting education in EV Technology. With over 24,000 projected jobs for electricians and over 41,000 jobs for automotive service technicians in Houston by 2033, the initiative aligns with the city's commitment to sustainable transportation.
Recognizing high-speed internet access as essential infrastructure, CIH's program also contributes to improving broadband infrastructure in Houston. The focus on smart building technology and artificial intelligence further enhances opportunities for underserved populations.
Grant Program Details:
CIH will serve 425 job seekers over the course of 5 years. For the purposes of this grant program, CIH outlines four key initiatives: Credentialed Training through HCC short-term certification programs, Work-based Learning Opportunities in collaboration with employer partners for incumbent workers, Worker-Centered Strategies guided by the Departments of Commerce and Labor's Good Job Principles, and Incumbent Worker Upskilling in partnership with both HCC and employer partners.
Strategic Partnerships:
To support broader industry interests, CIH will leverage both new and long-standing partnerships, including Education Partner-Houston Community College (HCC), Employer Partners-MCA Communications Inc., Smart Energy Solution, and NOV-Auredia, Workforce Development Entity- The Workforce Solutions, and Worker Organization- Houston Gulf Coast Building and Construction Trades Council. Additionally, CIH is actively seeking to establish up to 25 additional partnerships across these sectors.
About Capital IDEA Houston:
Capital IDEA Houston, developed from the efforts of The Metropolitan Organization (TMO), a part of the nationwide Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF), was established in 2008. TMO initiated a workforce strategy to create Capital IDEA Houston as a Labor Market Intermediary, offering educational opportunities for Greater Houston residents, leading to living wage employment and officially became an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2015.
Since sponsoring our inaugural fully funded cohort in 2010, Capital IDEA Houston has served as a crucial bridge linking determined yet underemployed adults with employers in need of highly skilled workers. Focusing on individuals aged 18 and above who are caught in the secondary labor market, we have aided over 1083 individuals in graduating into high-growth, high-demand careers, often resulting in tripling their wages.
For more information, please contact Brian Candido at bricandido@capitalideahouston.org
