Houston City College (HCC) campuses were selected to host hundreds of high school students from across the Houston region this month for a series of SkillsUSA competitions to highlight in high-demand trades.
The multi-campus events accross the HCC district allow students to use facilities and equipment to demonstrate skills critical to Houston’s growing economy, from construction and automotive technology to health sciences, information technology and the culinary arts.
The first competition was held Friday, Feb. 6 at the Southeast Campus which focused on skilled trades, including welding, carpentry, plumbing and electrical technology.
Additional competitions will take place throughout February at several HCC campuses, bringing together local and regional high schools for real-world, job-focused challenges.
“This SkillsUSA event is more than a competition — it’s a direct investment in Houston’s future workforce,” said HCC Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D. “By opening our modern and advanced facilities to these talented students, we are showing them that rewarding, high-wage careers are within reach and Houston City College can become a bridge toward careers in sought-after skills.”
Students compete in facilities that mirror professional job sites and are evaluated by industry experts and educators. In addition to technical ability, the competitions emphasize teamwork, problem solving, safety and professionalism — core skills employers consistently seek.
At the Southeast Campus, a cosmetology and personal services competitive event took place Friday, Feb. 13. On the same day across the city, an automotive and transportation competition was held at the Northeast Campus. A criminal justice and public safety competition takes place there on Friday, Feb. 27.
A health sciences competition will be held at the Coleman College Campus on Friday, Feb 20.
On Friday, Feb. 27, the West Loop Campus will host an information technology competition while on the same day the Central Campus allows students to show off culinary and baking skills in HCC’s professional-level kitchens
A final leadership and public speaking competition follows on Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Central Campus followed by a closing awards Ceremony.
Students or parents who wish to tour an HCC campus can do so at https://www.hccs.edu/applying-
Captions:
Virtual Reality lab
Semi-truck used for training
HCC Learning Space
ABOUT HOUSTON CITY COLLEGE: HCC is composed of 14 Centers of Excellence and numerous satellite centers that serve the diverse communities in the Greater Houston area by preparing individuals to live and work in an increasingly international and technological society. HCC is one of the country’s largest singly accredited, open-admission community colleges offering bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificates, workforce training and lifelong learning opportunities.
ABOUT SKILLSUSA: SkillsUSA is the No. 1-ranked workforce development organization for students, empowering them to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. SkillsUSA represents more than 444,000 career and technical education students and teachers in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. Those members represent 130 in-demand occupational areas, from 3-D animation to welding.
