Since passing a $485 million bond in November, Lone Star College officials have been busy developing and expanding workforce programs to train students in high-demand industries. Details on some of the programs available at LSCS, the outlooks for the Houston job market and the status  of major workforce projects are listed below. An educated workforce Lone Star College workforce programs target job industries with high projected employment growth, such as welding.[/caption]

Types of programs

Workforce education certificates • vary in length, designed to prepare student for occupational employment • courses that have been industry-validated for developing and upgrading skills in an occupation

Associate of applied science degree • two-year degree plan designed for students who want to quickly enter the workforce • requirements vary from 60-72 credit hours, including general and workforce education

Industry outlooks

Engineering technician • Median wage: $54,678 • Projected job growth rate (2014-20): 21.6 percent HVAC and refrigeration • Median wage: $38,953 • Projected job growth rate (2014-20): 31.8 percent Nursing • Median wage: $65,603 • Projected job growth rate (2014-20): 38.2 percent

Bond projects

Lone Star College officials expect to break ground in October on projects funded through a $485 million bond measure. The projects have been separated into three phases. Because of the system’s dedication to expanding workforce programs, six advanced technology centers are considered Phase 1 priorities. The centers are expected to be up and running by January 2017.

1. Computer Information Technology & Visual Communications Center Details: 50,000-square-foot classroom space with high-level computing infrastructure Campus: LSC-CyFair

2. Industrial/Commercial Construction & HVACR Center Details: 50,000 square feet Campus: LSC-North Harris

3. Process & Lab Technology Center for oil/gas/water programs Details: 50,000-square-foot workforce training area Campus: LSC-Kingwood

4. Transportation & Logistics Institute Details: 15,000-square-foot space for classroom building and land for 18-wheeler cabs and trailers Campus: LSC-North Harris

5. Drilling Platform Training Center Details: 15,000-square-foot space for drilling rig, hydraulic fracturing and engineering technology Campus: LSC-Tomball

6. Workforce Certification Assessment Center Details: 25,000 square feet Campus: LSC-University Park