Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and METRO
Launch
Workforce Training Initiative
At a press conference held at the Latino Learning Center in southeast Houston on Wednesday, August 25th, METRO announced the launch of WorkReady Houston, an innovative workforce training program inspired by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. The program, known as WorkReady Houston, provides occupational training for Houston-area workers interested in expanding their existing skill-set or acquiring new construction-related skills.
Registration is now underway for the first course, a class to train and certify general laborers. Available in English and Spanish, this course introduces students to construction basics, such as safety procedures, construction math, hand tools, power tools and blueprints. Candidates successfully completing the course will receive certification from the National Center for Construction Education & Research as a general laborer. With other classes to follow, the job-training initiative supports the needs of Houston Rapid Transit and its subcontractors as construction continues on the METRORail expansion project.
“I am proud to join Houston METRO to announce the launching of WorkReady Houston. This initiative will provide much needed job training and placement assistance for Houston’s workers who are seeking to acquire new construction-related jobs and expand on their existing skills,” said Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee, who has worked with METRO and its light rail facility provider for the past year to establish the program.
In addition to training, WorkReady Houston will offer job placement assistance—potentially on the METRORail construction project—and follow-up once a candidate is placed. WorkReady Houston will be managed by HoustonWorks USA, with participants drawn from their large pool of candidates fitting the program’s profile, as well as from the community at large.
“In a time when many employers, especially in the transit industry, continue to downsize, it’s exciting that METRO is looking to put more people to work,” said George Greanias, METRO’s acting President and CEO. “We are proud to be a part of such a noteworthy program that will help individuals build a strong foundation to improve their development. And we are very appreciative of the Congresswoman’s continued support in this effort.”
Attending today’s launch were Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Larry Green, CEO of HoustonWorks USA, Judson Robinson, Jr. of the Houston Area Urban League and acting President and CEO of METRO, George Greanias, along with METRO Board Members Carrin Patman and Dwight Jefferson and leaders from Houston’s religious and labor communities.
Participation in the program is free to qualified applicants, but space is limited. Individuals interested in learning more about the program should call 713-652-7940. Registration takes place at the Community Outreach Offices for each line on Thursday, August 26th, and Friday August 27th.
