Jobs in Houston: How to Make $ 17 an Hour While You Learn Instead of Taking Student Loans

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – Instead of student loans, you can get tools and earn a salary while learning a new career.

Apache Industrial Services, a Houston-based company that provides industrial services such as coatings and liners, offers an apprenticeship training program where students train for two weeks and then work with a journeyperson. Paid training starts at $ 17 an hour.

Students can learn about scaffolding, insulation and industrial cladding.

“I’ve been more involved, let me get my hands dirty and let me show you what I can do,” said Marc Grant, who joined the apprenticeship program.

He said he didn’t know what to do after leaving the military until he found Apache Industrial Services.

“This program gives me this opportunity,” Grant said. “You learn a great trade and have fun while doing it. “

Apache Industrial Services also advocates having more women in construction. The company’s goal is for 40% of its new recruits to be women.

READ ALSO: “Helmets have no gender”: women driving change in the industry generally dominated by men

“It makes me feel like I have the power of women,” Jessica Wimbley, who also participates in the program. “Like Superwoman. I can do exactly what they do.”

Workforce Solutions works with companies like Apache to find new apprenticeship hires. The programs have become increasingly popular after the end of unemployment benefits in Texas last month.

If you are interested, but childcare is an issue, Workforce Solutions offers a new scholarship to help.

If you live in the Houston area, look for work, and meet the income criteria, which is $ 4,300 per month for a family of four, you may be able to get help.

“For 90 days, we can help you pay for child care costs for your children 12 and under, or 18 and under if the child has a disability,” said Workforce Solutions spokesperson Michelle. Castrow.

“If you’re like, ‘When I get out of the military, what am I going to do with my life? I’m losing this brotherhood and camaraderie, “come here,” Grant said.

Apache Industrial Services is already looking for recruits for the month of August.

If you are interested, visit the company website.

For more updates, follow ABC13 reporter Nick Natario on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.