LSC-WESTWAY PARK TECHNOLOGY CENTER
Lone Star College, known as a world leader in workforce education, continues to look toward the future, preparing today’s student for tomorrow. To meet the growing need for a cyber-workforce, the LSC-Westway Park Technology Center went online in January 2019. This non-traditional, state-of-the-art facility is housed in a 133,000-square-foot campus and will support the LSC Computer Information Technology Department.
Students Josue Martinez (left) and Alberto Medina, Jr. with Kimberly Hubbard, dean, IT and Visual Communication, at LSC-Westway Park Technology Center.
“This Center of Excellence was designed with the purpose of helping Information Technology and Visual Communication students graduate with the skills necessary to work in this very exciting field,” said Seelpa Keshvala, Ph.D., LSC-CyFair president. “This facility will allow us to provide specialized training to ensure our students are properly prepared for the ever-evolving industry demands for skilled workers.”
The LSC-Westway Technology Center features an instructional data center, an interactive board showcasing student projects and programs, a fabrication lab for students to collaborate on projects, as well as a learning theater available for LSC-CyFair staff, community members and business partners to use for events.
Programs offered at this world-class facility include Cybersecurity, Mobile Data Application Development, Microsoft Administration, CISCO Networking Academy, Computer Programming and Visual Communications to include a mock Security Operations Center.
“Students will collaborate together to gain real world experience,” said Keshvala. “They will also learn ‘soft skills’ to be ready to make the transition from college to the workplace when they get hired.”
The design of the LSC-Westway Park Technology Center intentionally trains students in an educational institution that mimics a real-world environment to help students develop the ability to work in any business as a skilled professional in their industry.
Visit LoneStar.edu/Westway-Center to learn more about this new center.
The growth in the greater Houston area has not slowed down and neither has Lone Star College. However with that growth comes significant challenges. The Associated General Contractors of America reports 78 percent of construction firms in Texas are having difficulty finding skilled workers.
“We want to be the finest workforce training center in the area,” said Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., LSC chancellor. “It’s about economic prosperity and helping people better themselves.”
To help address this shortage, LSC recently opened several Centers of Excellence with more on the way.
LSC-Process Technology Center
The LSC-Process Technology Center opened its doors in spring 2018, offering the opportunity for students to prepare for entry-level careers as process technicians and operators.
LSC-Construction and Skilled Trades Technology Center
Another recently opened training facility is the LSC-Construction and Skilled Trades Technology Center. Launched in fall 2017, this 49,000-square-foot state-of the art facility includes six classrooms, dedicated training labs for electrical technology, field service is the LSC-Construction and Skilled Trades Technology Center. Launched in fall 2017, this 49,000-square-foot state-of the art facility includes six classrooms, dedicated training labs for electrical technology, field service technology, HVAC-R and pipefitting as well as administrative and instructor offices and a conference center.
Major Renovations
In addition to these centers, LSC has performed major renovations to the health care facilities at LSC-Kingwood and LSC-Montgomery; manufacturing programs at LSC-Conroe Center and LSC-Cypress Center; and built the LSC-Live Entertainment and Technology Center at LSC-Montgomery.
“Lone Star College is not only building new centers of excellence, but is also listening to local industry and meeting with employers through the Lone Star Corporate College,” said Linda Leto Head, LSC senior associate vice chancellor, External and Employer Relations. “This helps us better understand what skills employers are looking for so students are ready to hit the ground running.”
Lone Star Corporate College (LSCC) partners with global corporations to provide customized training, open enrollment courses, and professional seminars. LSCC focuses on the energy, computer technology and advanced manufacturing sectors, but can also provide training for retail, hospitality, school districts, health care, and many other industries.
