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Craft Training Center Helps Fill Need for Skilled Craftsmen
Posted: Jan 7, 2013 4:21 PM by Jessica Holley - jholley@kristv.com
Updated: Jan 7, 2013 6:55 PM
CORPUS CHRISTI - A boom in the Texas oil industry has created a demand for skilled workers. The Craft Training center out on Leopard was created 10 years ago to train people for those types of jobs.
Faculty at the Craft Training Center say there is no other program like it in the nation, and with in a few years students leave the center fully trained and certified in areas like welding, pipefitting,and electrical trades.
"We are changing the quality of lives for children high school students and adults. And that's what it's about. The future of America lies on our backs here, skilled craftsmen," says Dr. Michael Sandrussi, director of education.
And it's not just adults in enrolled in classes,currently 15 local high schools bus students into the center everyday. Students like Noel Noguez, a welder in training.
"I wasn't sure what I was going to do after school and I heard about this from other friends and and decided to give it a try because I always found welding interesting," says senior Banquete High School Student Noel Noguez.
Classes at the training center have provided him with opportunities and a direction for his life.
"I want to get in to a company travel around the world a little bit, that's my dream," says Noguez.
The student population at the Craft Training Center has doubled in size for both high schoolers and adult class and Sandrussi say it's because of the need for craftsmen in the industry and in the area. And it's because of things like the Eagle Ford Shale boom and growth in refineries, that there is a growing demand for this set of skills.
But in a male dominated line of work, students like Brenda Colon are paving the way for other females to a foothold in the industry.
"I just want to do something that not only guys can do, I want to get girls recognized and see that girls can do stuff that guys can do," says senior Richard King High School Student Brenda King.
She is one of three female students currently enrolled and says when she is welding, she feels empowered. Sandrussi says all students who graduate from the program find jobs immediately. With new companies coming in to the area-- they know this center is turning out the skilled craftsmen they need.
The cost to enroll in the training center classes is about $400 for a 14 week semester. Tuition for high school students is paid for by their school.
If you'd like information on the craft training center classes, click here.
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