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HCC Gulf Coast Region Apprenticeship Hub wins 2023 NCWE Exemplary Program Award

Oct 9, 2023

The Houston Community College (HCC) Gulf Coast Region Apprenticeship Hub has been honored with the prestigious 2023 Exemplary Program Award by the National Council for Workforce Education.

The recognition highlights HCC's remarkable efforts to expand registered apprenticeships and promote workforce development in nontraditional sectors.

Launched in 2022, the Gulf Coast Region Apprenticeship Hub was created with the objective of broadening the scope of registered apprenticeships in the Gulf Coast region, extending beyond traditional construction craft trades. It creates partnerships with employers in industries such as business and professional services, health care and information technology.

The hub links employers seeking skilled talent and job seekers looking for quality training and employment. HCC often acts as the registered apprenticeship sponsor, shouldering the responsibility of not only training apprentices but also managing documentation requirements. Additionally, employers can benefit from wage reimbursements through the Texas Workforce Commission, making it a mutually beneficial arrangement for the parties involved.

"The Gulf Coast Region Apprenticeship Hub is a testament to our commitment to workforce development and expanding opportunities for our community,” said Dr. Madeline Burillo-Hopkins, HCC vice chancellor of Workforce and president of Southwest College. “I’m proud to extend congratulations to our work-based learning team led by Dr. Christina Robinson with the support of Dr. Michael Webster and our Center of Excellence deans who have worked so hard to establish HCC's employer-based apprenticeships."

The hub has launched 37 registered apprenticeship programs in partnership with employers, with expected annual enrollment of 6,000+ apprentices. It has played a vital role in promoting diversity through initiatives like its "Women in Apprenticeship Conference and the 2nd Annual Gulf Coast Region Apprenticeship Summit and Awards, this November 14-15."

“We are passionate about creating registered apprenticeships and connecting employers with our students,” said Dr. Robinson, HCC executive director of Work-Based Learning and Industry Partnerships. "This is wonderful recognition that apprenticeships are the future of the work ready talent pipeline.”

For more information about the Gulf Coast Region Apprenticeship Hub, please visit https://www.hccs.edu/apprenticeship.