Texas Border Business
By Joey Gomez
McALLEN, Texas – The Center for Advanced Training and Apprenticeships (CATA) at South Texas College is expanding opportunities for young people and adult learners to explore high-demand skills trades through a growing lineup of pre-apprenticeship offerings.
CATA is getting set to begin its early pathways into careers in Construction, Information Technology (IT) and Industrial Machinery Mechanics through a short-term program designed for individuals 16 years of age and older.
The upcoming courses, which are set to later this month, will last four months and include 80 hours of training, which will serve as a structured introduction into the duties and work environments of each field.
“What we have is a short-term training program that prepares individuals for entry into a registered apprenticeship or skilled career,” said CATA Manager Marisol Chavez. “It’s a perfect first step toward a high paying, rewarding job as well as opportunities for long-term growth.”
Participants in the courses will not be employed by industry partners at this level, according to Chavez. Instead, they will gain foundational knowledge, hands-on practice and exposure to real-world expectations through classroom instruction, skill-building activities and guest speakers from local employers.
The curriculum focuses on building workplace readiness and confidence for students who are exploring career directions or who have not yet experienced the work environment.
All three pathways will include preparation for industry-recognized certifications. Construction students train towards Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10 certification, while IT participants work toward CompTIA certification.
The industrial machinery mechanics pathway also includes a certification component that is currently being finalized. Chavez said these credentials give students a strong advantage when they enter the workforce or continue into a registered apprenticeship.
The program is open to adults seeking new opportunities for additional experience as well as high school students – specifically juniors who are at least 16 years old.
“This is a great introduction to the occupation,” Chavez said. “Students can see what the work is really about. If they continue, we can register them for an apprenticeship program, and by then, they will already have the skills to bring to an employer.”
Delivery for classes for the three programs will vary. The Construction program is fully in-person due to its hands-on nature while the IT and industrial machinery and mechanic pathways follow a hybrid format that blends online and face-to-face learning.
Financial aid is available for those who qualify and the college assists students in applying for support, which may include Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG) funding.
Chavez said she encourages students, career changers and anyone else seeking workplace experience to take advantage of the opportunity.
“This will build their confidence in what they want to study because it is designed to teach them what the workplace is really about,” Chavez said. “Even if they are still in high school or older and looking for experience, this is a great way to start.”
For more information about pre-apprenticeships as well as registered apprenticeships available through CATA at STC, visit southtexascollege.edu/cata/.
