Elwood Steve Falls, San Jacinto College computer numerical control instructor, demonstrates usage of machine equipment to student, Daniel De La Fuente. Photo credit: Jeannie Peng-Armao, San Jacinto College marketing department.

Free training and interviews available to unemployed and veterans at San Jacinto College

 Jeannie Peng-Armao -- November 18, 2011

PASADENA, Texas — Like so many, Dena Harris, 39, is looking for work. The single mother of a 3-year-old daughter has spent two years searching for a job but has had little luck, until recently, after stumbling upon free training with guaranteed job interviews through San Jacinto College (SJC). 

"After applying for jobs and nobody calling me back, I felt this was one of my only options," said Harris. "I had never heard CNC operator before, but after four weeks of training, I can't wait to get a job in this because I enjoy the work, seeing how materials come together and how they are used."

The Computer Numerical Control (CNC) course, offered through the College's Continuing and Professional Development (CPD) division, teaches participants the equipment operating principles and techniques for CNC lathes and milling machines as used in advanced manufacturing. San Jacinto College is able to provide the course for free to dislocated or unemployed workers and veterans because of funding by the Department of Labor (DOL) High Growth and Emerging Industries (HGEI) grant. Other courses offered through this grant include the one-week Programmable Logic Controller course and the eight-week Industrial Automation Technician course.

The training also helps workers upskill in the industry, and in result, opening up positions for entry-level workers. 

"Since working for Powell Industries in 2009, I've worked my way up. However, had I known about a course like this one early on, I would have had a lot more knowledge of this industry from the start," said 29-year-old Daniel De La Fuente, a CNC punch press/break press operator at Powell Industries, who attends SJC from 8 a.m. to 1:20 p.m., and works from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. "I really wanted this education. I let my lead man and supervisors know that, right now, I'm eating, drinking, and sleeping CNC. This training is wonderful. It's always good to strive to upgrade your skills. I'm already looking for more courses that will help with my job." 

Twelve students in the CNC course are currently being scheduled for interviews with Powell Industries, the same company that offered employment to 11 participants from a SJC CNC course earlier in the year. Ellen Bay, project director for the HGEI grant with CPD, said students are always kept informed of job opportunities, in relation to their training, from a variety of companies from surrounding industry.

"It’s very rewarding to know that we are making an impact on people’s lives through education and training,” said Bay. “The dedication shown by each of our participants inspires our team to work even harder to assist them with their goals.”

Eligibility requirements for the DOL HGEI grant programs at the College include such documents as driver's license; social security card; proof of income; selective service number for male applicants; and either a birth certificate, visa, or passport card. To qualify, participants must be classified as either low income, unemployed, dislocated worker, or incumbent worker. 

For more information regarding the DOL HGEI grant-sponsored training courses, contact Ellen Bay at ellen.bay@sjcd.edu or Deborah Johnson at deborah.johnson@sjcd.edu. Training courses are held at the SJC Maritime and Technical Training Center at 3234 Pasadena Freeway in Pasadena.

The Continuing and Professional Development division of San Jacinto College offers programs and courses for individuals to retain or advance in their jobs, or make career transitions. The division also provides training to companies and their employees to meet employers’ demands for a highly skilled workforce, while helping incumbent workers reach their potential.

About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, for more than 50 years. The College, an Achieving the Dream Leader College, is committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of 30,000 students in over 140 degree and certificate options, including university transfer and career preparation. Students also benefit from the College’s job training programs, renowned for meeting the needs of growing industries in the region. Our graduates contribute nearly $630 million each year to the Texas workforce. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

For more information about San Jacinto College, please call 281-998-6150, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.