Texas Border Business
By Joey Gomez
McALLEN, Texas – The South Texas College Center for Advanced Training and Apprenticeships (CATA) recently welcomed 26 students who are the latest to begin the college’s Construction Superintendent Apprenticeship program, which will enable them to “earn while they learn” and receive a certificate in the industry.
One of those students is Aracely Rocha, a commercial plan examiner with the city of Edinburg and property developer, who said she enrolled in the course to grow as a person and as a professional.
“Being in this class will allow me to get more knowledge and to get a feel for what the field in the private sector is going through. To me, that can apply personally and professionally in my field of work,” Rocha said. “Construction is a big field and it’s an evolving field. My advice to those looking to get ahead would be to not get intimidated. You can’t be afraid to try something new or continue your growth in the knowledge you already possess.”
Leadership with STC’s training and apprenticeship center say they are proud of the strides they college is making in collaboration with industry leaders to address the growing need for skilled construction professionals.
“This program serves to give them (students) an overview so they can understand how to move on to the next level of construction management at a job site level and project manager level,” said STC Facilities Planning and Construction Project Manager Sam Saldana, who is instructing the course. “Some of these students are already in the business. Some of them are already working for construction companies, some of them are working for supply companies or for municipalities. They are taking the class to gain a better knowledge of this aspect of the industry.”
The program is designed for those already employed in the industry and who can meet the requirements for the apprenticeship, which includes an on-the-job schedule as well as completion of the program curriculum.
The college has established the course as a “hybrid-style,” meaning combined hands-on training and classwork, with a certificate that can be completed in four to six months with 2,000 hours of on-the-job training that will be required before students earn their journeyman certificate.
“The main support behind the Construction Superintendent Apprenticeship Program is coming from industry itself. It has been developed through real-life industry needs,” said Carlos Margo, Ed.D., dean for CATA. “That’s what makes this strong. It’s because this is something that has been developed and is need-based and not developed in a vacuum.”
In a strategic partnership between CATA and the Rio Grande Valley Chapter of Associated General Contractors of America (RGV-AGC), STC forged the Construction Superintendent Apprenticeship program, which is tailored for those already immersed in the construction industry, and meticulously crafted it based on invaluable insights from industry partners, according to Margo.
The program covers essential aspects including blueprint reading, construction management, and leadership, while providing students with the flexibility of an on-the-job schedule.
The apprenticeship seeks to address a crucial industry need by targeting professionals in construction-related careers, particularly those involved in public sector projects such as federal initiatives, schools, and industrial endeavors.
“Through RGV-AGC contacts, those working in the industry have explained that there is a shortage of superintendents to manage and oversee these projects, which emphasizes our commitment to address the real challenges faced by industry professionals,” Margo said. “We believe that this program will not only elevate the skills of those enrolled, but will also contribute significantly to bridging the gap in qualified construction superintendents.”
For more information about the apprenticeships offered by CATA, call 956-872-6197 or contact Apprenticeship Navigator Christabel Jasso at cgalleg4@southtexascollege.edu.
