Articles
Lennar Foundation, HCC to conduct workforce training for careers in construction
Jan 28, 2025
The Lennar Foundation has agreed to a partnership with Houston Community College (HCC) to launch a transformative workforce training program aimed at providing support for HCC Adult Education and Literacy students with an interest in careers in construction.
The initiative will include offering training on HCC campuses and to inmates through the Harris County Sheriff’s Department. It will provide participants with essential job readiness skills and prepare them for the in-demand construction industry.
Funded by the Lennar Foundation, the initiative will equip participants with industry-recognized certifications and offer a pathway for individuals to enter the workforce, including those impacted by the justice system.
As envisioned, the initiative is structured to allow students to complete trainings in one semester, providing comprehensive training that integrates Workforce Prep, OSHA 30, and NCCER Core classes. Each semester (Spring 25, Summer 25 and Fall 25) will offer classes designed to support 50 students (150 students total), offering a clear and structured pathway to gain essential certifications and skills.
Those who successfully complete the program can connect with employers, including Lennar Homes and Talent Builders Foundation, to secure employment. The program launches Spring 25’ with recruitment underway. The Lennar Foundation will donate $261,247 to back the effort.
“Our responsibility to the communities we live and conduct business in extends far beyond building and delivering quality homes,” said Marshall Ames, chairman of the Lennar Foundation. “We are committed to giving back and doing the right thing for the right reasons to make our communities better.”
HCC’s workforce training programs are vital to Houston, including for individuals in Harris County jails. The college serves a diverse student body, with 86% identifying as non-white and half from households earning less than $20,000 annually.
“This initiative aligns with HCC’s mission to promote economic mobility and stability for those facing societal challenges,” said Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D. “By providing access to a viable means of making a living, HCC can provide a second chance for those most in need of job opportunities and help to reduce chronic recidivism.”