The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) presented San Jacinto College with two checks totaling more than $1 million for training in the maritime and aerospace industries. Present at the check presentation and signing for the $607,185 aerospace grant were (left to right): Barb Whitted, Teammate Principal, GeoControl Systems, Inc.; Marie Flickinger, Chair, San Jacinto College Board of Trustees; Matt Barr, Deputy Regional Director – Southeast Texas, US Senator John Cornyn; Dr. Brenda Hellyer, Chancellor, San Jacinto College; TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar; Robert Morgan, Maritime Academy Manager, Port of Houston Authority; Tammie Nielsen, District Director, State Rep. Ken Legler; Barbara Lewis, Constituent Services Director, State Sen. Mike Jackson; Robert Quarles, Field Representative / District Scheduler, Congressman Pete Olson; Tom Degnen, HR Training and Development, Wyle Integrated Science and Engineering.

Amanda L. Booren, July 21, 2010

Texas Workforce Commission presents San Jacinto College $1 million for maritime and aerospace training

PASADENA, Texas – The Continuing and Professional Development division of San Jacinto College has been awarded more than $1 million from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Skills Development Fund to provide training for the maritime and aerospace industries.

TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar signed and presented two checks at a reception held Wednesday, July 21, 2010, at the San Jacinto College Central campus. The first grant is for $394,577, and will create or upgrade 195 positions in the maritime industry. Seven sea and coastal transportation and inland water transportation companies have come together to request this training from the College, which will train workers for positions as a captain, mate, deckhand, and tankerman. Industry partners in this training include BG Americas and Global LNG, G & H Towing Co., Harbor Offshore Marine Inc., Helix Energy Solutions Group, Higman Marine Services Inc., J.A.M. Distributing Co., and Signet Maritime Corp.

The second grant, for $607,185, will help to create or upgrade more than 500 positions for the aerospace industry. The aerospace industry relies heavily on leading edge technology to support experienced professionals, as well as design and development. This grant funding will provide training to transition incumbent workers from sustainment and operations functions to design and development functions. It will also provide training to new hires that will move into the positions vacated by transitioning workers. Companies included in the training are: Barrios Technology Ltd., Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., Cimarron Software Services Inc., Futron Corp., GeoControl Systems Inc., Hamilton Sunstrand, Lockheed Martin Corp., MRI Technologies, Oceaneering International Inc., United Space Alliance LLC, and Wyle Integrated Science and Engineering Group.

“The training programs made possible using these grants will build marketable skills,” said Commissioner Alcantar. “The number of Texans working in these jobs earning good wages will be a great economic boost for the Gulf Coast area.”

According to the Texas Workforce Commission, upon completion of this training, workers in the maritime industry can expect to receive an hourly wage of approximately $30.20, and those trained in the aerospace industry can expect an average hourly wage of about $38.64.

“We are grateful to Commissioner Alcantar and the Texas Workforce Commission Skills Development Fund for these important grants, as well as to our industry partners who identified their workforce needs and approached us for training,” said San Jacinto College Chancellor, Dr. Brenda Hellyer. “These funds will allow us to work with some of the best maritime and aerospace companies in Texas as we move forward with training workers in these industries that are vital to our communities.”

The Continuing and Professional Development (CPD) division of San Jacinto College offers programs and courses for individuals to retain or advance in their jobs, or make career transitions. The division provides training to companies and their employees to meet employers’ demands for a highly skilled workforce, while helping incumbent workers reach their potential. For more information about CPD, please call 281-476-1839.

San Jacinto College serves a diverse population of more than 27,000 students in over 140 degrees and certificates in university transfer and technical programs. The College also serves the community through workforce training. Students come with various goals and aspirations and we are committed to their success. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

For more information about San Jacinto College, call 281-998-6150.

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) presented San Jacinto College with two checks totaling more than $1 million for training in the maritime and aerospace industries. Present at the check presentation and signing for the $394,577 maritime grant were (left to right): Capt. Steve Huttman, Director of Marine Operations, G&H Towing; Gordie Keenan, Vice President of Training, Higman Barge Lines; Marie Flickinger, Chair, San Jacinto College Board of Trustees; Matt Barr, Deputy Regional Director – Southeast Texas, US Senator John Cornyn; Dr. Brenda Hellyer, Chancellor, San Jacinto College; TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar; Tammie Nielsen, District Director, State Rep. Ken Legler; Robert Morgan, Maritime Academy Manager, Port of Houston Authority; Barbara Lewis, Constituent Services Director, State Sen. Mike Jackson; Robert Quarles, Field Representative / District Scheduler, Congressman Pete Olson.