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December 2016

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Southwestern Industries to Host Factory Showroom Open House
Facility and Technologies Expansion Boost Capacity Capabilities
White Paper on Avoiding Costly Oil Skimming Mistakes
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Rotary-Index Twin Spindle Machine
Hales Machine Tool to Represent Samsung Machine Tools
Linear Motion Catalog and Design Guide
voestalpine Opens HBI Plant in Texas
HCC Trains Students for Careers in High-Demand Manufacturing Field
Welders Trained at HCC Contribute to Houston Workforce
Heico Brings Three-Minute Automatic Truck LoadingUnloading Technology to U.S.
Microsites Share Process Technology Knowledge
Hurco Distributors Recognized for Achievements
Machining with Minimum Quantity Lubrication
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Brochure Features Turning Rolls for Cylindrical Workpieces
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KYOCERA SGS Precision Tools Invests $9.5 Million to Establish Tech Hub
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LMI Aerospace Delivers its First HondaJet Aileron Flap Assemblies
Predictive Proactive Maintenance Solutions
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MGS Participates in Manufacturing Day 2016
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New NIST Test Bed Makes the Digital Thread Accessible
GTC Data Exchange Format Available to the Public
NTMA North Texas Chapter and Local Colleges Host MFG Day
Brochure on High Power Modular AC Drives
PHT Series Welded Tombstone Line Released
Private Sector Partnerships Enhance Workforce Training Programs
Rattunde Corporation Hosted Technology Open House
Remtec Automation Named to Ohio School Board Associations 2016 Business Honor Roll
eBook on How to Manufacture a Perfect Plastic Part
Missouri University Sandamp;T Students Offered Black Belt Certification
Machine for Dry Grinding Gears
End Mills for Side Pocket Milling
Modular Tooling Helps Shops Standardize
SAU Engineering Gifted More Than $1 Million
3-D Process Monitoring in Real Time for Metal AM
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Southwestern Industries to Host Illinois and Ohio Open House Events
Star SU LLC and Neher Group Form Agreement to Sell PCD Tooling in North America
New Precision Positioning Systems Catalog
SEMA Garage Expands Automotive Solutions Business
Stratus Technologies Named KYZEN Distributor
SUNY New Paltz Opens 3-D Printing Superlab
Tool Lifecycle Management Video
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UNITED GRINDING Names Syracuse Supply APT Machine Tools as New Distributors
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Integro Technologies Named Universal Robots Certified System Integrator
Revamped Website for Streamlined User Experience
High-Performance Milling Cutter for Machining Steel and Stainless
Surface Finishing and Abrasives App
Weiler 2016 Full-Line Catalog
Higher Productivity in Titanium and Stainless Steel
Industrial Batch Ovens Shipped to Automotive Supplier
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Welders Trained at HCC Contribute to Houston Workforce



HCC trains the next generation of welders in high demand by diverse industries in the Greater Houston Area.

Skilled welders play a critical role in the manufacturing and maintenance of structures that require metallic components. In Houston, the recent increase in residential and commercial construction and the doubling in size of the Port of Houston have resulted in a high demand for qualified welders. Through its diverse educational programs for welding, Houston Community College is responding to the industry needs for qualified welders and fulfilling a critical need in the workforce.

Rhoderick Villanueva enrolled in the HCC welding program in 2009. Although he was employed as a welder at the time, he earned only $30,000 a year because of his limited skills.

"I went to HCC to learn multiple processes," Villanueva said. "HCC makes the tools available. They give you hands-on training and everything you need."

Villanueva now earns $70,000 a year.

Villanueva's story reflects the experience of thousands of workers in the energy sector who saw their income potential affected as a result of low oil prices and the subsequent decrease of offshore drilling. The Texas Alliance of Energy Producers reports that Texas has lost approximately 84,000 oil and gas jobs in the past 16 months. Yet the need for welders remains high as a result of the booming rise of residential and commercial construction. A survey by the Associated General Contractors of America found that 74% of Texas construction companies say they are having a hard time finding hourly craft workers, including trained welders.

According to HCC welding instructor Frank Alderete, an entry level welder can earn $18-20 an hour - more than double the federal minimum wage, but many HCC students graduate beyond entry level and earn even more. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15% job growth for welders to continue through 2020.

Tom Tynan, Director of Construction & Trades, HCC Continuing Education, said that the welding field is changing with more women interested in taking classes. Currently only 3% of U.S. professional welders are women, but Tynan expects that to change given the high pay and the growing need for skilled workers.

Some HCC welding certification programs do not require applicants to have a high school diploma.

"If you can read and write at a ninth grade level, we can train you," Tynan said.

Houston Community College offers associate degrees, certificates, workforce training and lifelong learning opportunities.

For more information contact:

Houston Community College

3100 Main Street

Houston, TX 77002

713-718-8932

hccs.edu/continuingeducation

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