San Jac, partners sign electrical pre-apprenticeship agreement ahead of National Apprenticeship Week
San Jacinto College, three area school districts, and Emerald Standard – Electrical Contractors & Engineers signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Thursday, April 23, at San Jacinto College North Campus, formalizing a pre-apprenticeship program in the electrical trades.
The agreement strengthens a workforce pipeline designed to introduce high school students and early learners to career pathways in the electrical industry through structured, hands-on training opportunities.
“Pre-apprenticeships provide the foundation for individuals who want to pursue an apprenticeship that offers them an opportunity to ‘earn and learn’ at the same time,” said Dr. Sallie Kay Janes, associate vice chancellor of continuing and professional development.
The signing took place in anticipation of National Apprenticeship Week, May 2-9 a nationwide initiative organized by ApprenticeshipUSA that highlights partnerships among employers, educators, apprentices, and workforce organizations. The program promotes registered apprenticeships as a strategy for meeting workforce demands in high-skill, high-demand industries.
The ceremony opened with remarks from Dr. Alexander Okwonna, North Campus provost/ San Jacinto College incoming deputy chancellor and president, followed by an overview of the program.
Representatives from Crosby, Galena Park, and Sheldon Independent School Districts attended the signing, highlighting the collaboration between San Jac and local school districts. Marcus Ebow represented Crosby ISD, while Holli Malloy and Jesse Cantu attended on behalf of Galena Park ISD. Bonita Taylor represented Sheldon ISD.
Following the signing, 40 dual credit students enrolled in the San Jac electrical program have signed up to participate in the program and 16 graduating seniors have shared their resumes with Emerald Standard with the possibility of being selected for their Department of Labor Registered apprenticeship program
Roger Pombrol, president of Emerald Standard, addressed attendees and emphasized the importance of early exposure to skilled trades and structured apprenticeship pathways in developing a qualified workforce.
We chose to partner with San Jacinto College because strong apprenticeship pathways do not happen by accident. They are built through relationships between education and industry. When students are exposed to the trades early and given a real path forward, everybody wins — the students, the employers, and the community.
San Jacinto College plays a key role in apprenticeship development at the state level. The college is one of only three community colleges in Texas designated as a U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Ambassador Institution. The designation connects industry, labor, education, and workforce leaders with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship to expand access to registered apprenticeship programs. Janes also leads the Houston Area Apprenticeship Advisory committee that includes area community colleges, independent school districts and registered apprenticeships.
As an Apprenticeship Ambassador Institution, San Jac helps promote apprenticeship opportunities in high-demand fields while supporting efforts to increase access for populations historically underserved in skilled trades pathways.
About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today,
and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris
County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than
1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving
the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and 2026. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution
that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately
45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and
certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer
to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding
bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is
accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
