oa Addressing critical needs in the technical energy workforce: Focused certificate and degree programs beyond the associates

The University of Houston, along with consortium partners Lee College, Lone Star Community College and San Jacinto College, propose to develop training and educational programs to accelerate energy-related workforce development in critical areas for the state of Texas through: 1) three certificate programs each consist of 5 courses in advanced petroleum technology, advanced process technology and advanced safety technology, 2) collaboration and articulation between consortium partners to seamlessly develop and deliver the certificate courses, 3) development of stackable credentials for students who successfully complete any two of these certificates an accelerated pathway (i.e., one additional year) towards a BS degree in Organizational Leadership and Supervision program at UH's College of Technology, and 4) a competency-based survey to assess the effectiveness of the program. These goals will be achieved through the formation of a consortium with initially four Houston area community colleges and extending to encompass all community colleges in the Houston area. The introductory courses for each certificate will be offered at the participating community colleges and the advanced courses will be offered at the University of Houston. Once developed and assessed, the proposed three certificate programs will be available for adoption with interested institutions across the nation and worldwide. The highlights of this program are the acceleration of skill enhancement of mid-skill workers and their re-deployment in areas of critical need to the economic development of the state and due to the stackable format the rapid portability and scalability of the program to be expanded statewide and to interested institutions.