Job market hot in some fields in Houston

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Finding work in Houston is a lot easier than in some parts of the county, but even here there are jobs going unfilled.

Remember this name, Mason Nichols, he's a student now, but in just a few weeks you may be calling him to fix your air conditioner.

"There's so many job opportunities, because lets be real, this is Houston," said HVAC student.

Nichols is just of dozens of students at Houston Community College taking a 14 weeks program that trains them to be AC technicians. It's a job in high demand for obvious reasons.

"It's hot, and you need AC, it's a necessity," he said.

Another hot job is welding. Community Colleges across our area say their courses are packed with students looking to learn the trade. Nearly everyone who graduates the 14 week program gets a job right away making a very good wage.

"(They can make) $40 an hour, or $30 an hour," said HCC welding instructor Jerry Garcia.

Another can't miss career choice, driving a big rig. Instructors at San Jacinto Community College say they just cannot keep up with demand.

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"Most of the students who graduate this program, you know, 95 percent of them are going to get a job," said truck driving student Kevin Hollins.

That's one reason why Hollins is learning the trade; a job waiting when the six weeks program is over, another reason, the paycheck.

"They can make up to $35 to $45,000 the first year," said San Jacinto Community College driving instructor John Stephens.

Stephens says his school cannot keep up with demand.

"If every school did that 24 hours a day, we still could not keep up," Stephens said.

And the news gets even better for students like Mason Nichols. Those looking for a sure fire job can find the training at a bargain price at most area community colleges.