Dec. 4, 2023
 
What:       
San Antonio ISD to announce launch of district’s first pre-apprenticeship program
 
SAISD, LIUNA, and the City of San Antonio are partnering to implement the LEARN Construction Craft Laborer high school program at Sam Houston High School. The program is tailored to meet the current and future workforce needs of local area construction workers. 
                 
Who:         
Trustee Alicia Sebastian, SAISD Vice President
Dr. Jaime Aquino, SAISD Superintendent
Dr. Johnny Vahalik, SAISD Assistant Superintendent
Sharene Dixon, SAISD Executive Principal
Dr. Nakeshia Bibbs, Sam Houston Principal
Matt Gonzales, Laborers Local 1095 (LIUNA)
Greg Garcia, Milwaukee Tool

Sam Houston Pre-Apprenticeship Students:
Eduardo Yilder Rodriguez
Natalie Marie Guerrero
Gallegos Eternity Love
Carmen Vilmer Noe
 
When:       
Dec. 5 (Tues) – 10 a.m. 
 
Where:     
Sam Houston High School, 4635 East Houston St., 78220
 
Following a drum line student performance and the presentation of colors from the Sam Houston High School JROTC cadets, San Antonio ISD will announce a partnership with LIUNA, a construction and energy industries union, that will create the school district’s first pre-apprenticeship program. The pre-apprenticeship program at Sam Houston High School will focus on the construction industry, and it will build sustainable construction career pathways for high school students to meet industry need for talent. 

The City of San Antonio also is part of this partnership that will help students graduate career ready.

As a result of the partnership, Sam Houston High School students will have the opportunity to participate in the LEARN Construction Craft Laborer program. LIUNA Training's LEARN Program is considered the only innovative four-year Career and Technical Education (CTE) high school curriculum.

Students at the school already have small construction projects under their belt. In the past, students have built dog houses. Currently, students are building a pergola on their campus, and the refreshments for this press conference will be served on cutting boards crafted by the students.

The district is excited to launch its first pre-apprenticeship program and recognize the opportunities that await students interested in construction careers.

“Apprenticeship is a way to learn that includes both hands-on training at work and classroom lessons,” said Dr. Johnny Vahalik, assistant superintendent for College, Career and Military Readiness. “This pre-apprenticeship program will provide our students access to construction craft positions with competitive wages, job security and stability, job search assistance, networking and career advancement opportunities, and access to excellent benefits.”

The partnership will provide high school students with the following:
• An academic experience that meets high school graduation requirements
• Industry recognized credentials
• Foundational knowledge and skills necessary to access construction craft laborer careers
• Study-related work experience opportunities
• 21st-century employability skills
• Connection to post-secondary degrees in related programs/fields of study, which may include dual enrollment or articulation agreements for college credit

Additionally, qualified students may earn direct entry into LIUNA’s registered apprenticeship program.