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The Residential Construction Certificate program prepares students for careers in the construction industry by providing hands-on training in residential building fundamentals. Students learn blueprint interpretation, construction math, framing techniques for floors, walls, ceilings, and roofs, as well as worksite safety practices used in residential construction projects. The program is designed to develop the next generation of builders, contractors, and entrepreneurs while preparing students for entry-level employment opportunities in the construction field.

The Roustabout Drilling Technician (RigOne) Program prepares students for entry-level careers in the oil and gas drilling industry through technical instruction and hands-on training designed by drilling contractors. The program focuses on developing skilled, safety-conscious, and promotable rig crew members by teaching drilling operations, equipment handling, workplace safety, and industry best practices. Students gain the foundational knowledge and practical experience needed to support drilling operations and pursue career advancement opportunities within the energy sector.

The Sheet Metal Helper program provides students with an introduction to the materials, tools, and techniques used in the sheet metal industry. Students learn the types and uses of hand, layout, and cutting tools, along with bending and forming machines. The program covers various types of pipe and fittings, principles of soldering roof flashings, gutters, downspouts, and sheet metal duct fabrication. Students also learn principles and types of fittings for radial line development and factors that influence bend allowances and calculations necessary for determining proper bend allowances.

The Solar Installer program area prepares students with technical skills and training in photovoltaic systems, residential installations, safety protocols, electrical knowledge, and industry codes. The program provides hands-on instruction designed to prepare students for the Electrical Technician Association International (ETA) Level 1 PV Installer certification.

The TIG Welding program area prepares students with foundational skills in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), including equipment setup, safety procedures, joint design, and welding techniques for metals such as aluminum and stainless steel. Students gain hands-on training in welding inspection and operation of GTAW equipment while preparing for entry-level employment in the welding industry and advancement into Pipe Welding courses.

The Translation Specialist program area prepares students to support clear, accurate, and culturally responsive communication across diverse audiences and professional settings. Students develop skills in translation, language interpretation, and cross-cultural communication while working with academic, institutional, and professional materials to preserve meaning, tone, and intent.

The Unmanned Aerial System (Drones) for Public Safety program area prepares students to plan and conduct unmanned flights in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) UAS regulations. Students gain foundational knowledge and flight operation skills while preparing for the Drone Pilot FAA Part 107 Certification.

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program area prepares students for entry-level positions in the drone industry or for launching a small business as a professional drone operator. Students gain foundational knowledge and hands-on skills in FAA regulations and laws, flight operations, maintenance, customization, mapping and surveying, data analysis, and project management. The program also prepares learners for industry applications of drone technology and the FAA Part 107 certification for commercial drone operations.

The Welding Technician program prepares students for careers in metal fabrication by teaching the fundamentals of welding as a method of permanently joining metal parts through heat and fusion. Students gain hands-on experience in welding processes and learn how welding is used in industries such as construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, automotive repair, aerospace, and pipeline systems. The program provides foundational skills needed to produce strong, permanent metal joints used in structural and industrial applications.

Welding is the most common way of permanently joining metal parts. In this process, heat is applied to metal pieces, melting and fusing them to form a permanent bond. Because of its strength, welding is used in shipbuilding, automobile manufacturing and repair, aerospace applications, and thousands of other manufacturing activities. Welding is also essential in construction, where it is used to join beams, build bridges, and connect pipes in pipelines, power plants, and refineries.

The World Language Program at Houston City College offers instruction in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. Courses are designed to help students build practical communication skills, cultural understanding, and confidence in using the target language for real-world interactions, academic study, and global engagement.