Articles

HCC celebrates National Apprenticeship Day with two events

Apr 29, 2025


Houston Community College (HCC) is joining with businesses, educators and community leaders nationwide in celebrating National Apprenticeship Day April 30, 2025. 

The day highlights the role apprenticeships play in preparing a highly skilled workforce and strengthening the economy. This year, HCC’s Apprenticeship Day is being sponsored by the Greater Houston Partnership, Accenture, Aon and the U.S. Department of Labor.

In addition, the 2025 HCC Gulf Coast Region Youth Apprenticeship Summit takes place May 1, 2025, from 8:30 am. to 1:30 p.m. at the HCC Eastside Campus at 6815 Rustic Street. CenterPoint Energy Foundation is the sponsor.

"Registered apprenticeships offer a powerful combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job training that open doors to meaningful careers," said HCC Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D. "They help bridge the gap between education and employment, providing opportunities for people of all ages to earn, learn and advance in careers."

Apprenticeships allow students to gain real-world experience while working toward a certification, ensuring they are ready to contribute from day one. Employers, in turn, benefit by mentoring their future workforce directly, building loyalty, productivity and competitiveness. Companies that invest in apprenticeships report lower turnover rates, higher productivity and stronger employee loyalty.

According to the latest data, individuals who complete apprenticeship programs earn an average of $300,000 more over their lifetime compared to those who do not.

Companies that invest in apprenticeship programs also benefit greatly, reporting lower turnover rates, higher productivity and stronger employee loyalty, said Christina Robinson, Ed.D., executive director of Work-Based Learning and Industry Partnerships at HCC.

“And, as challenges continue to grow, particularly in technical fields, apprenticeships are emerging as a vital solution to close the skills gap,” she said.

The Gulf Coast Region Apprenticeship Hub, developed by HCC, connects apprentices with employers across a range of industries, including logistics, health care and engineering. The Hub continues expanding to meet the growing demand for skilled workers.

To learn more about apprenticeship opportunities, visit www.hccs.edu/continuing-education/gulf-coast-region-apprenticeship-hub/ or www.apprenticeship.gov.