HOUSTON – Houston’s job market is booming as big companies like Chevron, NRG Energy, and ExxonMobil move their headquarters here. With the city’s workforce growing, the need for skilled professionals is rising too.
Some people go to college to prepare for their careers, while others jump straight into the workforce. But college isn’t for everyone, which can make the path forward a bit unclear.
If you’re ready to start a career in Houston but don’t have a college degree or much experience yet, take a look at this list of affordable and even free career-development programs available online and around the city:
NPower
NPower is a national nonprofit organization that offers career training opportunities in the technology sector to young adults (aged 18 to 26) and military veterans and spouses.
NPower has a rolling admissions process and offers two cohorts a year– one in the spring and one in the fall.
It’s encouraged to apply as early as you can because space is limited. Apply here.
Workforce Development and Training (WFD)
The Houston Area Urban League (HAUL) hosts WFD to help people get job-ready and move into stable careers.
The program offers job readiness training, career counseling/coaching, access to industry certifications, and employment placement support. The program also helps with resumes, interviewing, digital skills, and financial education.
Participants can explore pathways to various fields like healthcare, IT, skilled trades, logistics, and customer service.
Click here to learn more about the program.
SERJobs
SERJobs is part of a nationwide network that offers free online professional training to help people build long-term financial stability, serving youth, adults, veterans, and individuals reentering society after incarceration.
Click here to browse the training programs they offer.
Environmental Career Pathways Program (ECP)
Texas Southern University hosts the ECP program to train underemployed and/or underemployed individuals in the Houston area in the environmental services sector. It takes 7 weeks to complete the training, and it’s set in a classroom setting.
For more information, click here.
Gaining Equity in Training for Public Health Informatics and Technology (GET PHIT)
UTHealth Houston is partnering with other Texas universities to offer free training courses for careers in public health. All of the courses are online and self-directed.
Click here to check out the courses available for enrollment.
Houston Academy for Career Development
Goodwill Houston provides free online courses to help people build job-ready skills for in-demand, professional-level roles.
Click here and here to see the courses they offer.
West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM)
This Houston-area nonprofit was founded by local churches to help people in crisis meet basic needs and work toward self-sufficiency. They offer workforce training courses and education services, including classes like GED and ESL.
Click here to learn more about their programs.
Artist Lab
Artist Lab is a program created and run by Creative Capital, a U.S. nonprofit arts organization that supports artists by providing funding and career-development resources.
Artist Lab is essentially a free, online “career toolkit” for artists. It’s a set of self-paced classes led by art professionals that teach skills in grant writing, marketing, communications, money management, and taxes.
Click here to learn more.
Trio Education
If you’re interested in becoming an electrician, then Trio Education’s Electrician Career Academy is for you. This program isn’t free, but it is a cheaper option than going to a trade school.
Click here to learn more about it.
Apprenticeship Readiness Program/Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (ARP/MC3)
The Houston Gulf Coast Building and Construction Trades Council offers a free, three-week program to help you build the skills you need to enter the building trades. ARP/MC3 runs Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM and lunch is provided.
After you finish, you can transition into a paid, Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship where you’ll work 40+ hours/week, take classes 1-2 nights/week, earn college credit, and receive healthcare and pension benefits at no cost.
If you’re interested in ARP/MC3, click here to complete the interest form to see if you’re eligible for the next cohort.
Houston Electrical Joint Apprenticeship (JATC)
JATC is a 4-year apprenticeship that trains you for a career as an electrician through paid, on-the-job-training (8,000 hours) plus one night of class per week.
Apprentices start at $16.43/hour, get raises as they progress, and receive health and retirement benefits.
Click here to learn more.
Plumber and Service & Repair Plumber Apprenticeship
Hosted by the Houston Area Plumbing Joint Apprenticeship Committee, this 5 year “earn-while-you-learn” program is designed to help you gain the skills and education you need for a state licensure career in plumbing.
Click here to find out how to apply.
The Piping and Welding Apprentice School
Pipe Fitters Local Union 211 hosts the five-year registered apprenticeship that trains you to become a Pipefitter, Welder, or HVAC Service Technician.
You’ll get paid on the job while taking classes two nights a week (or on weekends), and you’ll have union benefits like healthcare and a pension. Finish the five years and you’ll move up to journeyman pay.
Click here for more information.
Finishing Trades Institute (FTI) of District Council 10
FTI is a training organization that offers paid apprenticeship programs (classroom instruction plus on-the-job training with signatory contractors) in finishing trades like painting, dry wall finishing, glazing, floor laying, and tradeshow decorating, with increasing pay as you progress.
To sign up for classes, call FTI’s office at 832-388-6926.
Ironworkers Local 84 Training Center
You can join a 3-year, earn-while-you-learn ironwork apprenticeship with Local 84.
You’ll work during the day and take classes about two evening a week (with some weekend training), learning the trade from the ground up, including welding, and earning certifications like OSHA 30, CPR/First Aid, rigging, signaling, and crane-related training. The training is free, and apprentices also receive contractor-paid benefits.
Click here to learn more about the apprenticeship. I highly recommend getting in contact with the school if you can’t find the link to the application.
Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Training Program
The Houston Area Sheet Metal Training Center runs a sheet metal apprenticeship that helps you train for careers in HVAC, welding, and architectural sheet metal through a mix of hands-on learning, classroom instruction, and paid-on-the-job experience. Your books, IPad, and supplies are covered– just keep in mind there’s a $200 annual registration fee.
Click here to apply now.
Elevator Apprenticeship
The National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP), in partnership with the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC), offers an apprenticeship that trains you to become an elevator constructor through a mix of paid, supervised on-the-job training and classes. The program typically lasts 4-5 years. Once you’ve completed the coursework and logged 8,000 working hours, you can qualify to take the mechanic exam.
Click here to learn more.
Mechanical Insulation Apprenticeship
The Heat & Frost Insulators & Allied Workers Local 22 run a Department of Labor- certified apprenticeship that trains you for a career in mechanical insulation and metal jacketing. You’ll learn the trade through a mix of classroom time and hands-on practice, building real-world skills you need for commercial and industrial projects around Houston and the Gulf Coast.
Click here to contact Local 22’s office to find out how to apply.
The Career Cohort Program
The Career Cohort Program is run by BridgeYear and offers recent high school graduates in Greater Houston the opportunity to receive training for in-demand careers at little to no cost. The program includes several certification and apprenticeship tracks in fields like nursing assistance, electrical work, HVAC, IT support, and automotive technology.
Click here to find out when the next cohort begins.
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